Just joined today. I have a dell laptop w/windows XP. Working slow, hard drive getting full. Purchased a "My Passport Essential" external drive. When plugged in I get "USB Device not Recognized". I know it's not the external hard drive as I tried it on my other laptop and it works fine. Also tried different USB ports. Tried Western Digital website, no help. Spent two hour with Dell India, no help.

I've experienced it sometimes. I just replug it and it works...

try it again... good luck!