I tried several extended TechToolPro jobs and the activity led light on the FireWire hard drive just stays on red with no further response unless i power off the drive.

It looks as though i will have to take the drive back for some warranty work or some kind of adjustment to replacement. I have bought a number of external firewire drives from him and this is the first time that a drive has failed.

Thanks to all for spending your time to provide me with some self help guidance and advice.

I will post the results of my claim for warranty.