Try a different USB cable, maybe it has a micro fracture. Or possibly the Buffalo's controller is a bit allergic to LThanks
Thanks for your reply.
Cable is mint, it was the first thing I checked. It could be just the drive is struggling with linux. I am considering buying a new one but if this is a common problem then there is not much point if I am only going to get the same result.
I know I need to use a powered drive but what if I use a powered USB hub and connected one of the many non powered USB drives I've got or am i barking up the wrong tree with that idea?