I have a Maxtor 30GB and Western Digital 20GB. Each drive had shown similar symptoms within the first year of service, while still under warranty. In each case I used the company's utility to verify the drives needed replacement. In each case, I made a quick phone call, gave them a credit card number for "insurance," and they sent me a new drive. I sent the old drive back. No hassles. I've had either a Maxtor or Western Digital drive ever since I built my first computer in the 1980's. Both companies have served me well. Heck, I still have the 256MB Maxtor (sitting unused on a shelf), and the 4.3GB Western Digital is now in my wife's computer, working well.