Portable hard drive clicking but it isn't a hardware problem

Here's what I have so far:
A portable hard drive bought via ebay
A desktop that only runs arch (main computer)
A desktop that only runs ubuntu (guest computer)
The hard drive clicks (about 4 times per second) when plugged into the arch desktop regardless of which usb port/hub it's plugged into.
The hard drive works perfectly when plugged into the ubuntu desktop's usb ports.
The hard drive does not show up on lsusb on the arch desktop.
The hard drive is apple branded but the enclosure/adapter definitely isn't. I don't think this makes a difference.
My main question is: What now?
edit: sifted through some logs for a while and didn't find anything.
I'm thinking that because nothing shows up in lsusb there is a problem recognizing the sata-usb adapter.
Last edited by z.s.tar.gz (2011-05-18 03:02:30)

Is the drive self powered, or is it powered from the USB bus ?
Is the drive drawing excess current ?? A USB device is not supposed to draw in excess of 100mA unless it negotiates with the host for more.  Not all USB controllers respond well to devices that violate this.

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