WD Passport 1 TB not detected

[atw717]

Hi,
I have a Western Digital 1 TB USB 3.0 drive that is not getting detected. I tried it on a linux machine and on a windows machine. It is not being detected anywhere. The linux kernel logs do not show any sign of a USB device being connected.
I hear the drive spinning when it is connected and it keeps spinning. I do not hear any clicks that might indicate a failing hard drive.
I checked the 5V DC, DP, DM and ground lines using a multimeter to make sure it is not a connector problem and they seem to be fine.

Some history about the drive:
It has been more than a year since I got this drive. I copied files to it immediately after i got it. Then, recently, I backed up my laptop onto it. The next time, the device would go offline when I was using it. When I unplug and replug it, it would come back again but would disappear in a few minutes. Now, it is not getting detected at all. I haven't used it much, and it hasn't been subjected to rough handling.

What could be the problem with the drive? I tried googling for an answer but could not find anything.
Will a PCB swap help me? If so will I have to replace the EEPROMs?

The SATA to USB chip is a JMS538S. I could not find any information on it. I have attached images of the PCB.
The hard drive is a WD10TMVW-11ZSMS5

Hard drive

PCB back

PCB front

[jono-ats]

It's probably a failing heads or firmware issue.

[atw717]

If it is a firmware issue, will I be able to fix the firmware using some tool by connecting to the 12 pin connector or by soldering wires onto the board?

Or, is my best option finding a replacing PCB and transferring the EEPROMS from this board?
Thanks

[BlackST]

If it is a firmware issue, will I be able to fix the firmware using some tool by connecting to the 12 pin connector or by soldering wires onto the board?

No.

Or, is my best option finding a replacing PCB and transferring the EEPROMS from this board?

Neither.

[einstein9]

If it is a firmware issue, will I be able to fix the firmware using some tool by connecting to the 12 pin connector or by soldering wires onto the board?

No.

Or, is my best option finding a replacing PCB and transferring the EEPROMS from this board?

Neither.

+10k BlackST is right here

the devil comes after all of this.... NightMare

good luck

[atw717]

Thanks for the answers. Do you have any suggestions on how I can proceed from here?

[einstein9]

Thanks for the answers. Do you have any suggestions on how I can proceed from here?

my dear, 1st. you will need expensive tools in addition to knowledge on HOWTO

better outsource it

good luck

[pcimage]

Thanks for the answers. Do you have any suggestions on how I can proceed from here?

This is not DIYable I'm afraid, you need to send it to someone with the right kit and knowledge.

[atw717]

Thanks !!