Thanks to biggerdave and fredderf for your feedback.

I have already cleared the "system" file using 0.0001 and reloading 5.5120 to no effect. I think that the partion is most likely corrupted possibly the MBR is damaged and hence the device cannot load from the "disk". I am currently trying a Windows 7 system and it allows access the "properties" but will not allow me to delete the partion.

It is a long time since I have done any work on disks where I am trying to recover/replace the MBR but I do recall some disk recovery programs which did this however I will need to search for them.

If anyone knows of a suitable piece of software (or a technique) any info would be appreciated.


Thanks again for your help