HDD Noise

[nvening]

I have an iomega 160GB USB HDD. Its working fine but, after a while of not doing anything it starts to make a low buzzing humming sound. When i access the drive (look at the files stored in it) the noise stops, it will then start again later. It is plugged directly into the mains and does not seem to be getting too hot, it has its own fan. The noise gets really annoying and it cant be good, this has been happening for a few months now, i have had it since christmas and i bought it from simply computers.
Thanks

[Timmy!!!]

Does it have built in SMART monitoring? If it does have SMART use a program like speedfan to see if it detects a problem.

Also try running scandisk to see if there are any bad sectors etc. It might be an idea to back up any necessary documents just in case.

[Steve]

Perhaps it's going into a powersave of sorts?

[eldren]

From your description, it sounds like it whines when the drive head is not active, right? Also, how long is it after accessing the drive, as you say, before it begins to whine again? Either way, it maybe best to take it back and have it replaced before you lose any data.

[nvening]

I just ran speed fan and it only found my system drive. I really dont think its a power save thing, it is not a good sound and i do not remember it ever happening when it was new. Ill go talk to Iomega support (again), will report back later.

EDIT: could not get through to support, mabe i will get it replaced it a couple of seconds it stops