Reddit reviews StarTech.com 3 ft USB Y Cable for External Hard Drive - USB A to Mini B - USB Cable - USB (M) to Mini-USB Type B (M) - USB 2.0 - Black (USB2HABMY3)

The WiiU doesn't put out enough power through 1 USB port to power an external drive properly. You either need one that has it's own power from an outlet, or buy something like this which you plug into 2 USB ports on the WiiU, and thus double the voltage.

This is a known problem due to the WiiU using USB 2.0, when USB 3.0 has become the standard since then.

If unplugging stuff from other USB ports doesn't work, you might try a "Y" USB cable, which looks like this. Helps with devices that draw more power than is available from a single USB port. You shouldn't need that with the LPK25 since I believe it's meant for single USB power, but I don't know what kind of computer hardware you're using.

2.0 3.0

It does if you have the right kind of cable. One USB port does not put out enough power, but if you have a USB cable with 2 connectors on one end, it will get enough power for most drives. I used a 500 gig SATA drive on my Wii with this kind of cable.

But, here is a hard drive enclosure that has an external power supply and works with 2.5 and 3.5 inch drives.

Got this one: http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-USB2HABMY3-Cable-External-Drive/dp/B003HHK576

Works a treat. Cheap.

Assuming you're sitting down somewhere since you're using an external keyboard, get a cable like http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003HHK576/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003HHK576&linkCode=as2&tag=pages-01-20 - attach the black end to the iPad's camera/USB adapter, then attach the red end to a wall/car/computer USB port to provide the necessary power. You'll need a USB extension cable to run the power line to whatever adapter, but you probably already have one and if not they are only about $2 per meter

I need a Y cable apparently to make my HDD drive work. This is my drive, would this cable allow my HDD to work?

if your keyboard needs a dongle then it is not blue tooth. for usb hubs, powered is the way to go if you want 4 or more usb devices connected. What I have done with my setup is get a usb hub that allows 4 usb ports but i use a Y cable so i do not have to have the usb hub plugged in ac power. Example: http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-USB2HABMY3-Cable-External-Drive/dp/B003HHK576/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1421353512&sr=8-11&keywords=y+cable

these y cables come in mini or micro as well so you need to find a usb hub that you can plug one of these bad boys into so you can connect more devices to your ps4 without having external power needed.

Yes, after some thought, I think I'll purchase an external.

I'm looking at this LG drive, and reviews I've read on American Amazon say it can play DVDs off of one USB port. This is fine, since I don't really intend to burn my DVDs :)

In case the included cable is too short -- I'm thinking of purchasing this cable to power the drive. The webpage says it's meant to power external hard drives, but it should be able to power external optical drives, maybe. Do you think that could work?

I'd like a long cable, because the desk I have has a second lower tray for a keyboard, and I can just place the DVD player on the lower tray if the cable's long enough.

Could you link the drive that you are using? And also if the drive is new you could RMA it back to seagate. Here is the cable replacement http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-USB2HABMY3-Cable-External-Drive/dp/B003HHK576

Is your External powered via AC outlet or USB port? If it only uses a USB order a USB "Y" Cable or you will have crash/freeze/unreadable errors.