Memorex ext hdd not being recognized

Hi,

Newer Mac user here.

I have a Memorex ultra TravelDrive. I initially used the drive to backup files from my PC. I tried to plug the drive into my Macbook via USB, but the drive did not mount, nor did it show up in Disk Utility.

I am wondering if I need to format it differently to use on both computers? Has anyone else experienced this?

I am not very technical with the Macbook yet, so I learning my way around with the help of these forums. So if you reply, I ask that you dumb down your response. Thanks

Are you plugging in both USB cables?

I noticed from the little bit that I read about that drive that it does not seem to have a separate power supply. Does it perhaps connect to two USB ports simultaneously? If so, drives like that often do not mount properly because they are drawing more power than the ports provide. Have you tried plugging it into a self-powered USB hub?

I thought about the power supply. But I looked up the ext hdd on the Memorex site and it says the USB should provide enough power. Also, the PC recognizes the devices with only the USB. Would the Mac be different?

I've been looking for some posts I have seen recently suggesting that even some drives that work on the PC via two USB ports may not work on the Mac. There has been some suggestion that the two ports do not both put out the same amount of power. Charles Moore's The Agenda - MacBook USB Port Power Issues; 2.6GHz, 300GB MacBook Pros?; Power Adapter Refunds

The drive only had 1 USB slot, so I can't connect 2 simultaneously. I can also hear the drive spinning.

From the Memorex user guide:



This will be particularly true with many notebook computers.

Thanks alot! Was given the drive at work, so now I have to find this aux power cable.

You probably wouldn't have an issue with any desktop machine.
But, there are a lot of notebooks that just won't provide enough power for USB powered devices on a single port.