I have a 2007 SimpleTech PininFarina 320GB USB drive that stopped working. Windows XP recognized the USB interface, but was unable to load the drivers. Also, while the drive has always been quite I noticed that I could not hear the drive motor. So.... I opened the case only to find the drive moved forward because the mounts failed. Result the SATA connection was not connected...no power!

I found both, and only, plastic supports to hold the Hitachi drive failed. During manufacturing the screws were overtightened which cracked the plastic mounts. As I continued to carry the drive around the mounts eventually failed. So I removed the drive and drilled two new holes in the unused mounts. NOTE that I did not tighten the screws down...only snugged up to the plastic (I drilled the holes for an exact fit...If you wish to enlarge the holes use small washers between the drive and the mount...the extra 1/16" play between the drive and the mount is why the mounts failed).

To open the case remove the four screws on the bottom of the unit. Two are visible, and two are under the serial number sticker near the front. The top will now lift straight off once the front relase tab pops free. Note that there is no way to "release" the tab (tab is in the middle (side to side) and approximately 1/2" from the front). Just keep pulling gently, and pray. Once the top is loose switch wires allow you just enough room to place the top on the work surface and repair the unit. Also the side panels will slide straight up and off once the top is removed.

Good luck. This is the reason my drive failed...and I suspect the reason many others failed since the mounts were not properly fastened.