USB external HD suddenly doesn't get recognized ... same with memory sticks

I used an old Trekstor HD for TimeMachine. Worked just fine. Then, from one month to another (I kinda neglected making backups :P) the HD doesn't register when I plug it in. No sign that the MacBook even noticed that I stuck something inside it's USB port.
But:
* The HD works. It gets recognized just fine under windows (although windows can't read the drive).
* The USB port works. iPod syncs just fine, USB printer prints, USB mouse mouses ...
* other USB memory sticks are not recognized either. They work in the PC, but not in the MacBook.
I can just assume that there's some setting that prevents OS X from hooking up external harddrives.
I have absolutely no idea what I can do about it. Help please?
Running OS X 10.5.8
Message was edited by: arotto

+old Trekstor HD+ may be clue.
Possible HDD died, but your Win still sees something becuase USB port functions.
Next time you plug the HDD into your MB, use System Profiler to check it.
That may be best clue to see health of the HDD.
And consider getting a new external HDD, at least as backup for your backup.
Cheers!

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[26713.021549] usb 2-2.4: ep 0x2 - rounding interval to 32768 microframes, ep desc says 0 microframes
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