My Maxtor 3100 has been connected to my computer but not used for at least 2 years - now I want to store photos on it but it will not power up - anything I can try on this end or has it simply expired?

Try disconnecting it shutting down your computer do a restart once your computer is up and running again plug the storage drive back in it may look for a driver for it or just start working you can check it by going to my computer left click then you will see it if it installed. If not leave plugged in and hit the power cord on the drive or unplug the drive again and back in if it will not start up it is time for a funeral for it. Last resort is go to devices see if the device is listed if so it may have a ? mark by it or a yellow symbol if this is the case insert the CD that came with it and hit update driver be sure to always check go on line as well for drivers. It is either a driver issue or a power issue or a bad storage device. John