Question 1

Drive not detected after install or reboot?

Accepted Answer

Check the SATA data and power cables, try another SATA port, and confirm the WD5000AAKS appears in BIOS/UEFI. If using a USB/SATA adapter, ensure it supports 3.5-inch drives with external power.

Question 2

Install or boot fails with 0x7B / INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE?

Accepted Answer

The SATA controller mode likely changed (IDE vs AHCI). Set BIOS to the mode used during Windows setup, or load the correct chipset/SATA driver during install; avoid switching modes afterward without preparing Windows.

Question 3

Driver/version conflicts?

Accepted Answer

Windows normally uses the native AHCI/ATA driver for this drive—don’t install generic “WD drivers.” If unstable, roll back or update the motherboard chipset/SATA driver and remove old storage utilities.

WDC WD5000AAKS 00V1A0 ATA Device Driver