Hey ShowGirl -
I have the same problem. And just like you... it's driving me insane! When I bought the hard drive and the external case, they were both working fine, then I can't remember very well (because it's been over 3 years...) but it just started doing that same thing. It wouldn't be connected for more than a few minutes, and sometimes even seconds. What do I do? I have been trying to fix it for a while now. Could anyone PLS help?