Old iMac hard drive to external enclosure

The logic board on my old iMac (20" core duo...2006 model) but the hard drive is ok.  I'd like to put it into an external enclosure but can't get it to fit.
1/  there's an external chip/connector on the side, half way down that blocks it fitting into the enclosure.  I've never seen this on a hard drive before.  What is this and what can I do to it (ie, remove it, ignore it etc)
2/  When it connects, it soon disconnects itself (a mater of seconds).  Does this have anything to do with the chip on the side? 
Basically, how can I get this done?
Any help appreciated.

Hi John,
It's a 2.5" drive. I would go with a firewire enclosure so you can boot from it. http://www.macsales sells a good one.

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