Problem with Time Machine backup for multiple drives

Time Machine has the ability to exclude drives attached to the system via usb, firewire, etc. I have an external USB drive attached directly to my MacBook (not via a hub). I want to include this in my backup, so I removed it from the exclusions list under Option in the Time Machine preferences. Since I have done this, my backup to my 1TB Time Capsule stops at 128K. When I put this drive on the exclusions list or eject the drive, the backup is successful. I have tried backups over both Ethernet and Wi-Fi, and get the same results.
The files on the USB drive are important to me and I really need to be able to include them in my Time Machine backups. I would prefer not to have to get a second external drive to copy my files to as a backup. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
JDBTek

If the HFS+ USB HDD is connected directly to the MacBook, TM should be able to back it up. Sorry, I don't have any other suggestions.

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