Can't access data drive E: (blue questionmark)

[pcglaw1]

Got this laptop last black friday, installed an SSD Samsung EVO drive as the program drive, and used the existing 1T HP drive as my data drive.  Its been working fine until just recently.  About two weeks ago, the data drive (E:) would not appear and I could not open it, but if I restarted the computer it would reappear, now I get the drive showing with a big blue question mark on top and cannot open, Hp refuses to provide support since I put the SSD drive in, tried doing a new windows install using the restore option (the one that deletes all apps and reinstalls win 10, but drive E: still not recognized.  Anyone have any ideas?  Thanks.

Phil

[Lil_Boy_Blue]

Hi
First:- Turn off the computer, press and hold the PWR button for 4 seconds.

Then - Leave only keyboard and mouse connected, disconnect all externally connected
devices such as Docking Station, USB storage devices, displays, and printers.
Unplug the AC adapter from the computer.

Next - Press and Hold the Power button for 15 seconds to Hard Reset.
Rinse and Repeat

NOW begin checking/testing/proving the Hardware is fit for purpose.
Power on your PC, press ESC (repeatedly), then F2 at the prompt.
Choose System Tests (Fast Test does a 4 minute hardware check).
AND/OR
HOW DO I USE DIAGNOSTICS?

HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows is a Windows-based utility that allows you to run diagnostic tests to determine if the computer hardware is functioning properly. The tool runs within the Windows operating system in order to diagnose hardware failures. HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows comes pre-installed on new HP computers, but if not on yours, download here:- http://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp93001-93500/sp93457.exe

I would do a CLEAN shutdown.  Ensure the Fast Start Up is DISABLED.

  Obviously then run a disk checker/ defragger on restart.

Look for a clash with Drive Letters and consider making it S: for Storage.

I have had occasions where W10 allocates a drive letter to an iso or USB that are virtual drives.

[pcglaw1]

Ok, tried your suggestions, it checked out fine, then disappeared again.  I opened the machine up and found that the ribbon cable holding the HP drive in place had come loose.  Pushed it back in and secured it, drive is back.  Thanks.