Both Silverlining and Mt Everything see the drive as not ready and of course won't attempt to do anything with it.

So one final question before I give up. There are yellow and green LEDs on the end of the logic board. At initial spin up both are on but after 30 seconds or so the green LED goes out and stays out. Exactly what do these LEDs indicate?

I don't have access to a PC or Unix box, so can't try that.

Thanks to all for the help.