Install hard disc problem

install an external hard disk into a windows XP desktop
through a USB port. Its a Fujitso MHT2040AT.
When I try to format it, it spends 20 minutes doing
the format, gets to 100% then gives an
error message: The format did not complete
successfully.

The MHT2040AT is a 40 GB Mobile 4200 rpm hard drive. I am
not sure what USB hardware you use to connect this drive
to the desktop. I suspect the USB controller may be a
problem, since the MHT2040AT is commonly used as an
internal HDD in portables. CHeck whether the controller
is compatible with the XP hardware list (HCL).

On the XP side, you can make sure you have SP1 and any
USB-related updates. Is there something in the disk
controller hardware that causes a time-out?