LONDON – QUESTION I backed up my Windows XP PC to a portable hard drive. This drive appears in Device Manager and Disk Management, but not in My Computer. My Creative sound system failed at the same time. The Hardware Wizard was unable to locate new drivers for the hard drive, USB ports or sound entries in Device Manager. Ken Robinson

HELPROOM ANSWER Start by updating the Bios and motherboard drivers, a process that can often fix bugs and even add extra features. The motherboard manufacturer’s website will offer any new versions.

It’s possible that Windows is trying to allocate a drive letter that’s already in use to your external drive. Plug in the drive, then click Start, Run and enter compmgmt.msc. Click Disk Management, then right-click the USB drive and choose ‘Change Drive Letter and Paths’. Click Change, then click on the ‘Assign the following drive letter’ drop-down menu. Choose a drive letter you’re sure is not in use. Click Ok, Yes, then reboot the PC.

If you’re still experiencing problems, your USB ports may be malfunctioning or not getting enough power.