WD External HDD won't mount on iBook G4; no problem mounting on Macbook Pro

Question

I've had a WD My Passport 320 GB drive for about 8 months using it as a Time Machine backup drive for my MacBook Pro. I put some files on there that I want to transfer to my wife's iBook G4 (12 inch, 1.33 GHz) but it simply won't mount. It sounds like the external hard drive performs one revolution and then clicks. It doesn't really start up. Can't locate in disk utility ever on the iBook.
I was wondering if maybe the iBook G4 didn't provide enough power through the USB ports since this is a portable external drive and hence relies on the computer for its power.
If anybody has any insight as to how I can fix this problem, it would be greatly appreciated.
We are looking to purchase a new hard drive for myself, and I was planning on giving the old one to my wife for her own use, but if it won't work, then I may have to re-think this one. Thanks.
Message was edited by: clarity23

Answer 1

If the port power is insufficient for the iBook to run an external hard disk drive,
you may have to connect the unit through a self-powered (AC adapter) USB
2.0 Hub. This would be able to supplement port power for external devices.
Also, depending on the uses, some drives have different results when used
with or in older Macs. And, as a side-note, what partitioning scheme was used
on that WD External HDD? This shouldn't be so important on a non-boot drive.
If the WD was partitioned in something other than HFS+ (or WIN-DOS) it may
have a hard time being seen by the iBook; though port power issues are likely.
The external drive likely pulls a bit more power than the computer ports allow.
With my iBook G4, when used on a desktop, it has its own powered USB setup
and keyboard, mouse, plus printer (or wireless Airport with printer, etc.)
A good tool to have on hand is a 4GB or larger USB flash drive for simple transfers.
Good luck & happy computing!