I didn't know cutting power during format can cause this. And it seems
rather strange too, because all a format does is blanking data and
creating
a file system. I got a feeling that your problem is caused by something
else.

If it did cause your problem, the only sollution I can think of, is doing
a
low level format, but that is kind of dangerous. And I don't know if that
works when the BIOS doesn't detect it. I think so, because I believe a low
level format is what makes the sectors, cylinders and so forth, which the
bios detects, but I'm not sure.

Use it only as a last resort. Tools should be available from several
hard-disk manufacturers. Maxtors provides one I believe.


You are about 10 years in the past with the low level format. What is
sometimes referred to as a low level format is not your dad's LLF as the old
comercial said. The LLF where the sec,cyl and tracks are formed is done at
at the factory and can not normally be changed by any software that is out.
The old MFM type drives were the ones that you really did a LLF on your
computer.

If the bios can not see somekind of drive it is doubtful you can do anything
with it. He may try getting a program from Maxtor off the intertnet and see
if it will let him do anything. At this point there is nothing to loose.