There are several possible reasons why your MacBook Pro may not be reading external drives. Here are some steps you can try to troubleshoot the issue:
1. Check if the external drive is recognized by the system:
a. Go to the Apple menu and select "About This Mac."
b. Click on the "System Report" button.
c. In the left sidebar, select "USB" or "Thunderbolt" depending on the type of connection your external drive uses.
d. Check if the drive is listed under the appropriate category. If it's not listed, try connecting it to a different USB or Thunderbolt port on your MacBook Pro.
e. If the drive is listed but marked as "not mounted," try mounting it manually. To do this, go to the "Disk Utility" app (found in Applications > Utilities), select the drive, and click on the "Mount" button.
2. Check if the external drive is formatted correctly:
a. If the drive is not recognized by the system, it's possible that it's not formatted correctly. Check the drive's documentation or contact the manufacturer to determine the correct format.
b. If the drive is formatted for Windows, you may need to install third-party software like "NTFS for Mac" to be able to read and write to the drive.
3. Check if the external drive is damaged:
a. If the drive is making unusual sounds, it may be physically damaged. Try connecting it to a different computer to see if it works there.
b. If the drive is not making any sounds, try replacing the cable or using a different power source (if applicable).
4. Check if the USB or Thunderbolt port is damaged:
a. If none of your external drives are being recognized, it's possible that the USB or Thunderbolt port on your MacBook Pro is damaged. Try connecting a different device to the port to see if it works.
b. If the port is damaged, you may need to take your MacBook Pro to an authorized repair center to have it repaired.
Hopefully, one of these steps will help you resolve the issue.
