The development of technologies in the field of computer hardware has allowed to achieve maximum performance and durability from any parts necessary for the operation of the device. Another issue is compatibility. It often happens that a completely new and tested by many users item simply refuses to work properly. Or itโs not at all a system. One of these situations is that the computer does not see the new SSD.
It is worth noting that this type of parts is often purchased due to the increased level of performance, reliability, low energy consumption and some other parameters. Most often installed as a system drive. However, even it may fail.
This article will explain why this can happen and what to do about it.
Why could this happen?
A computer is a complex system. And therefore, in order to determine what specifically led to the emergence of a particular problem, it is necessary to dig deep inside the system or laptop. And then, the answer will not always be received. In the case when the computer does not see the SSD, the causes of the error may be as follows:
- the device does not have a letter;
- it has not been initialized;
- there are hidden partitions on the disk;
- part file system is not compatible with the Windows operating system;
- Often the cause may be incorrectly configured BIOS settings;
- you should not exclude the fact that if the computer does not see the SSD M2, the media itself may have physical damage;
- The connection details with the motherboard and the device itself may also be damaged.
Let us consider in more detail all possible causes and methods for solving them.
The drive is missing a letter
In the "My Computer" section, where all the drives connected to the computer are displayed, you can always see which letter or name each of them has. However, there are times when the letter is missing and the SSD is not visible in My Computer. To solve the problem, you need to make sure that the device has a name. Further on how to accomplish this.
How to assign a drive letter?
In order to perform this operation, you must use the "Run" function.
- On the keyboard, press the key combination "Win" and "R". In the window that appears, enter the phrase "compmgmt.msc".
- A transition to the disk management program will occur.
- Right-click on the line of the required SSD. In the context menu, select the function to change the drive letter or its path.
- As soon as a new window appears, click on the "edit" button.
- Choose a letter from the list that will not match any other one already on the computer.
- Click the OK button.
As a result of these actions, the problem that the computer does not see the SSD will be solved.
Lack of device initialization
Sometimes such a problem may occur: a completely new disk, without any damage, is not visible to the system when connected to a computer. In this case, it may be uninitialized. Thus, in order to correct this error, it is necessary to perform all the steps presented below.
How to initialize a disk?
The solution to this problem must again begin by activating the "Run" function.
- On the keyboard, press the "Win" and "R" keys. In the window that appears, enter "compmgmt.msc".
- In the menu of the "Disk Management" program, in the list on the right, find the required drive and right-click on it. In the pop-up menu, activate the disk initialization line .
- Check that the box with the name "Disk 1" was checked.
- Put a marker near the point where MBR or GPT is mentioned. But before that you need to decide. If you have Windows 7 or early releases of Windows 10, then you should choose the main boot record. If you are always updating the operating system to the latest version, then put a marker on the table with GUID sections.
- Once this procedure is completed, you can create a new partition on the SSD. To do this, click on the disk and activate the function to create a simple volume. After that, a specialized wizard will open.
- Here you need to click on the button next.
- The volume size is now indicated. The options may be as follows: the volume will be equal to the size of the entire disk, or it will occupy a small part of it.
- As soon as the required volume is selected, click the "Next" button.
- At the next stage, the letter is assigned to the disk. This is almost the very end of the solution when the computer does not see the new SSD. You must choose so that the new letter does not coincide with the already assigned.
- Now you need to perform formatting. All recommended values โโremain unchanged.
- Enable the quick format option.
- Click Finish.
After executing this algorithm, the problem that the computer does not see the SSD will be resolved.
Hidden partition appeared on disk
Having a hidden SSD partition is another cause of this problem. It can occur when the volume was opened using third-party programs, in order to restrict access to data. To solve this problem, you will need to use the MiniToolPartition Wizard.
How to eliminate a hidden partition from disk?
First you need to download this application to your computer. You can do this on the official website or torrent tracker.
- as soon as the program has been downloaded and installed, it starts;
- right-click on the desired drive;
- in the pop-up menu, select the Unhide partition function;
- after that, assign a letter to the hidden section and agree to the application of the changes;
- the last step is checking the "Explorer" window to display hidden sections.
No partitions on disk
Another reason why the computer does not see the SSD after connecting may be the lack of partitions. This can happen both with a new disc and with one that has not been used for a long time. The cause may be damage to the system file, virus infection, or violation of the rules for using the device.
Often, when a similar situation occurs, it is recommended to initialize the disk. However, there is a high probability that you will lose all the data that is stored on it.
How to fix the lack of partitions?
If the computer does not see the SSD M2 due to the lack of volumes, then you should again use the MiniToolPartition Wizard program mentioned above:
- After it starts, select the desired drive and go to the "Check Disk" menu, activate the "Partition Recovery" line.
- Here you need to make a choice of the scanning range of the disk. Among the options "Full Disk", "Unallocated space" and "Specified Range", select the first option and go further in the program.
- Now you need to choose a quick or full disk scan. In the first case, partitions that are hidden or deleted will be restored. The second option will scan all sectors of the previously selected range.
- As soon as the scan is completed, a list with the results will open, in the form of the sections found.
- Choose the necessary and complete the operation. After you need to confirm the start of the recovery process.
- As a result of the actions performed, the disk should appear in the Explorer menu.
BIOS error
Another reason why the computer does not see the SSD (No. 1, 3/4) may be incorrect BIOS settings. In this case, solving the problem involves analyzing several directions at once, since there are many options for why the BIOS leads to such an error.
Incorrect SATA mode or its complete shutdown
To fix this error, you must perform the following steps:
- Enter the BIOS program. This is done when the computer starts, using a specific key.
- Activate the advanced settings mode using the F7 button or the "advanced" parameter. Confirm the transition to a specific mode.
- In the same tab, find the configuration of the embedded devices. Click on the line Serial Port Configuration.
- On the Serial Port line, check the value of the switch. Must be on. Otherwise, go to the parameter and install this option.
Incorrect BIOS settings
This may also be the reason why the computer does not see the SSD. You can check by the value of the system date. In the event that it does not correspond to the present data, then a failure has occurred. To correct the situation, you must reset all settings:
- First, the computer is disconnected from the network.
- If we are talking about a stationary device - remove the wall of the system unit. If the problem arose on the laptop - unscrew the bottom cover.
- On the motherboard there is a small battery near which the CLRTC toggle switch is located.
- Switch it to position 2-3 and wait half a minute. After, return back to 1-2.
- You can also just pull out the battery itself and after the same period of time return it to its place.
Cable damage
Another malfunction may be damage to the SATA cable. To make sure the guesses are correct or false, you need to check all the connections between the drive and the motherboard. All wires must lie flat and without strong bends. They can cause internal damage to the cable. And if this happened, then it is worth replacing.
To connect SATA devices without problems, it is recommended to use cords whose length exceeds one meter.
Damage to the drive itself
In the event that all the above methods did not have any effect and the computer does not see the SSD drive after connecting, it is worthwhile to carefully examine it for any external damage. In the absence of such, it is worth handing over the device under warranty (if it is new). Many stores check the returned items, and therefore, you can find out - the problem is in the drive or the details of your computer.
If the SSD is old enough, you should take care of its early replacement.