Troubleshooting IDE drive problems

Does the drive spin up and stay spinning?

Yes - Continue with "Does the System see the drive?" No - Skip to "Are the jumpers and cables connected correctly?".

How to check
Normally you can tell if a drive is spinning by listening carefully when you first turn on the system power.  A spinning drive will produce a 'whining' sound when power is first applied.  The sound is easier to hear when you first start the system.

If you do not hear the drive spinning, check to make sure the power connector is plugged into the drive and that the drive is getting power.  If possible, try another power connector or try the drive in another system.

Another common way to tell if a drive is spinning is to feel the drive for vibration when it is first powered up. 

If the drive spins up and down, answer NO and go to "Are the jumpers and cables connected correctly?".

CAUTION:
Disk drives can be damaged by ESD (electrostatic discharge).  If possible, use an ESD wrist strap when feeling the drive for vibration.  In no case should you touch the printed circuit board on the drive.  If you do not have access to an ESD wrist strap, keep one hand on the metal frame of the system when checking for vibration.