Read this [url="http://forum.hddguru.com/wd5000aaks-00tma0-failure-t9420.html"]thread[/url]

I have the same drive

WD5000AAKS-00TMA0
WD Caviar SE 16

however,

my problem is different:

-Bios inconsistently recognizes it
-WD Tools will not ever recognize it
-windows never recognizes it
-Windows starts EXTREMELY slow when it is plugged in

I don't hear clicking, and it always spins up.
I never smelled anything funny.

It may be noteworthy that my c: drive went at exactly the same time.
i was able to repair the bad sector on it (seagate st640g)

i don't know what to do
TIA

pictures are of the pcb looking unremarkable.

update,

it whirrs and then clicks three times and the repeats

SA problem or head damaged.
Professional help required.

Janos

Agree, sorry no DIY.

_________________
Zero Alpha: zeroalpha.com.au
Find Cheap Donor Drives App: https://www.zeroalpha.com.au/donor-drive-app Updated February 2026

Few days ago it wasn't clicking, but after playing around with a drive it started clicking.
This is a sign of physical damage on a platters, which will cost you.

_________________
www.datarecoveryne.com

I don't necessarily agree, but it is still going to require pro help at this point.

_________________
You don't have to backup all of your files, just the ones you want to keep.

well yeah, it's possible it was clicking and just wasn't listening. the symptoms haven't changed however.

the noise is clearly a head problem.

Spin up,
three clicks
trrrry....
click
trrrrry....
click
spin down


im guessing it's done.

i am starting over with a 1tb hitachi hd31000 idk/7k...
it was on sale for $70!
woot microcenter!

thanks for help
ill probably keep the drive hidden away until i can afford to had the data removed.
most of what was not backed up wasn't important anyway

I wouldn't be so sure about the head issue, myself. It is certainly a possibility, but I would start with the PCB. Of course, you still need a pro for this, but if it is a PCB issue, you shouldn't be paying much more than $500 for the project.

As for the knocking you are describing, it is the heads trying to read the SA of the drive. They are swiping back and forth, with makes that noise. Eventually, they give up and the motor powers downa and the drive goes into kernel mode. This could be caused by one or more reasons:

1. PCB issues
2. Head issues
3. SA issues
4. Surface issues

You can set the drive aside and hope to afford to get your data back some day. But, I like the idea of getting it assessed, for free, by a professional and then determine what you want to do with it. At least you will know what the problem is, how much it will cost and whether it is worth holding around for a long time. If you are lucky, the cost will be low and/or the professional lab will allow you the option of a payment plan to help you out.

I wish you all the best.

_________________
Luke
Recovery Force Donor Inventory: 5,000+ Fully Cataloged HDDs & Growing