Question : Problem: External Hard Drives and XP

I'm trying to have an external backup drive for my PC...have alot important stuff that needs to be backed up.  I've gon through a Maxtor external USB driver and an Seagate external USB drive.  Both of them have problems in that they disappear from my computer after a couple reboots.  I have a brand new computer , Compaq Presario, with USB 2.0 ports.  I looked on Compaqs website for my computer and found no upgrades for the USB hardware-wise.  I looked on Seagate's website and they say that no drivers need to be installed because it's included in XP service pack.  I have auto updates turned on my computer so I get the latest updates from Microsoft.

Is there anyway around this?  Could I get a external hard drive that is not USB dependent?

Answer : Problem: External Hard Drives and XP

Here's my recommendation if you want to ditch the maxtor.

Go to compusa, they have a 120gb internal hd for $40 after rebates ($70). Heck get a few. So long as they're on different receipts and you can mail the rebate to a family or friends household. You could get yourself a cheap raid 5 :) ... hmm, I may be spending a little bit this week.
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=293303&pfp=hpf2

Next order a hard drive enclosure.
http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_attrib.php?page_id=351&sortby=popular-&vendors%5B%5D=0&form_keyword=hard+drive+enclosures+3.5&lo_p=0&hi_p=0&x=47&y=12

Assemble and write a batch file to backup your stuff.