I/O device error for external and flash HDs

I can't get anywhere. I have a 160 GB pushbotton external hard drive, seagate brand, connected with a 2.0 USB. It worked fine, then all of a sudden when I tried to open it all I got was an I/O device error. At first people told me this was a registry problem, but when I tried plugging it into other systems the same error popped up. Strangly, the drive used to read E, but now reads as G. I don't think this is entirely the cause of the problem though, because when I tried plugging this into other systems it read E, but still with the same I/O device error. I have Windows XP on an HP notebook, and I am clueless. I tried disabeling the device, re-enableing the device, uninstalling the device and reinstalling the device. I tried a registry cleaner but it only cleaned 50 problems. I purchased a new cable and that didn't work either, and plugged both cables into all 4 of my USB ports. I bought System Mechanic 7 Professional, only because I live in a small town and Wal-Mart is the only place to buy software.
Is there a solution? Does any one know what an I/O device error means? Can I retrieve my information? I'm willing to drive very far and buy very expensive software to do this, so please tell me if there is any software that can help. Also, please tell me if there is any basic thing I can do to help.

It has nothing to do with the registry and it doesn't matter what drive letter windows assigns it. It sounds like something corrupted the file system on the external drive. That's why you're getting an Input Output error.
What is the exact error message?

G:// is not accessible.
The request could not be performed because of an I/O device error.

This occurs when I try to open the drive.

That drive is corrupt for one reason or another. If you want to take a long shot, you may be able to mount the drive on a Unix box or try something like the Ultimate Boot CD.
Also, you could search for data recovery software, in which I don't have much faith, but who knows?

Well that was the answer I was sort of fearing and expecting as well. Is there any way I can wipe the hard drive to make it useable again?

I just thought of something. I never tried it on a external drive but you might try the manufacturer's diagnostic tools. In most cases, you can d/l them from their site and create a boot disk. Boot the machine. If it sees the drive, run the tests on it. It may have a repair option.

hey i have a similar problem i have a 4 gig sd card that i keep getting and i/o device error and nothing i try seems to work

HI
I have the same problem I got I/O device error when I try to transfer file form my external HD to my computer. it happen to any computer.
So I guess the Ext HD is the problem.

I run Regcure and follow protocol (ATA/ATAP en PIO Only) to fix this problem but nothing.

I have a lot of stuff on my ext HD so how can I fix my ext HD.

thanks

I believe I stumbled upon a fix to this and just wanted to go around making sure people know how to fix this ridiculous problem.

open up the cmd prompt

I haven't had this happen with Win 7 so I'm not sure about that one

older version of windows select RUN from start menu and type cmd

from there type "chkdsk X: /f" no quotes and replace X with whatever drive it is.

It should perform a scan and once complete should work just like new!

YAY!!!!!!

Peace, Love, Harmony

OMG!! ICaseI... I LOVE YOU!! This worked!!! i had so much info on my old HD that had failed. i put it in an enclosure and hooked it up thru the USB port and everything was great until, when trying to access the drive, i received the dreaded "not accessible. ... I/O device error" message. i did try a bunch of other things... and fortunately i stumbled across your post. and it's incredible that you just posted this yesterday. thank you SO much! and thank you OZZU for this site!
YAY!!
Peace, Love, Harmony ... and i'll add Freedom to that list

Dear cmd solution expert: I tried your solution, typing the following: chkdsk E: /f (By the way, what does the "f" stand for?)

Unforunately, I received an error: "Cannot open volume for direct access."

I tried using this command when the external drive was plugged into my laptop's USB port. I also tried it when it was not plugged into the port.

My issue still persists...My external drive cannot be read on account of an error when I attempt to use any one of the four USB ports: "E:\ is not accessible. The request could not be performed because of an I/O device error."

Any further assistance would be appreciated. I'm not prepared to buy a new laptop and I cannot replace the data that is on my drive.

Thank you.

Hi, i have a 4gb memory stick. When i connect it to my laptop, "my computer" starts to not respond. "I:/ is not accessible. the request cannot be performed because of an I/O device error" comes up when I try to go into it. I have run a scan on it already but the result was tat there was no infection in it. Is there any way this can be fixed, preferably without formatting it?

just tried that chkdsk thingy and got the same result as gbohn! i seriously need that stuff on the stick... anyone have any suggestions?

thanks!

how ? found directions on how to fix that problem with "chkdsk" but don't understand ha;f of the directions lol! haven't done it properly yet tho..

what is the likelihood that i will be able to recover the files?

100%