All hard drives die eventually, even external ones.
I replace my externals every 3 years even if they are acting perfectly.
And, I have two externals, both with the same files on it (they back each other up)

External hard drive taking too much time to show up or transfer files;

I would first suggest you get a brand new external and however slow, start moving everything over because you could have old, dying hard drives on your hands.

Beyond that I would run a scan disk and defrag on your current externals. But, from personal experience I would move those files to a new external first if you can. Better to have your old hard drives last breath to be transfering your files than trying to defrag.

Can't afford a new hard drive? Get a spool of dvd's and start burning ALL your files to disk.

Just in case...

Contact Me | Gallery | Freestuff | IMDB Credits | Personal Site
"I want to be what I was when I wanted to be what I am now"