Since it’s not a windows issue, I have looked into whether it’s a hard drive issue (I have the Alienware X51 R2). Turns out it is. However, none of the prescriptions listed on that site are for my USB 2.0/3.0 device (Seagate 3.1 USB). So, I have asked on that forum if anyone can point me to where the instructions are for fixing that particular usb driver.