120G External Drive, USB 2.0: Works on USB ports, not on USB 2.0 PCMCIA Buscard port

[FHamilton58]

Using a Lenovo R61e, WinXP.

My new USB 2.0 PCMCIA card works with all of my USB-connected devices, EXCEPT with my USB 2.0 120Gb external hard drive (also new).

The 120 Gb drive works fine with my standard USB ports on the laptop (but not at USB 2.0 speeds of course).

I couldn't find anything to address this, so I'm goin' to the experts!

Any suggestions, dear readers?



Thanks

[osprey4]

Is this a "portable" drive? It's very common to see power issues with these.

[FHamilton58]

Yes, it's a portable drive. When using the regular USB port the drive's red light is steady on. Not so when plugged into the USB 2.0 port.

[stroyal]

If it is a power issue you can get an external power supply.
Either or both your drive, and/or your PCMCIA card should have a place to plug one in.
They are 5volt, I forget how many amp.

You can also get a powered hub.