Iomega external hard-drive, model RPHD-U
Neither Windows nor Linux recognizes the device when it is plugged in, and a different USB cable does not change the situation. External drive's power light still lights up, and it even makes an irregular (quiet) beeping sound, but does not seem to whir any more.
The problem began after the drive was unplugged inadvertantly while I was in the midst of viewing the files on the drive with Windows Explorer.
Unfortunately, Windows isn't the most efficient operating system when it comes to it's "Plug 'n Play" abilities. In my experience, external hard drives can be particularly sensitive when it comes to unplugging the data cable while navigating the drive. I've had two external drives lose all data because of that flaw in the NTFS file system. The MFT exists on every drive with NTFS storage method. If that becomes corrupt, it can render the drive useless.
The drive may have power, but that quiet beeping you hear is an indication that the reader head is stuck to the platter and may be grinding into it. There is a myth (may or may not be true) that says if you put the drive in your freezer for a few minutes, take it out, drop it from 6 inches onto a hard surface, it may knock the head loose and make the drive work again.
I tried that method, and it made the situation worse for me, but it may work for you. I would resort to that option only if nothing else fixes it.
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