Quote - I use XP home edition.  I don't use Vista (and don't intend to).
 

All I know is there was a very loud Pop! and they were gone.  I do have surge protection, etc.  The drives that blew have been replaced.
 

J.

(This is an educated guess to to past experiences)
I think I might know what your issue is. It sounds like you have an older system (3 years or older), and it sounds like your Motherboard is having issues with reading your drives. This means either your motherboard is going or is almost gone.
IMHO you should take it to a repair shop and have them look at it if you don't know what is going on. And please don't take it to a chain store cause you will not get an honest answer, but take it to a local "ma and pa" shop. Most of the time they will help you out in the cheapest possible way.

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