Why is my external hard drive turning on but not working?

Have you tried plugging it into another device, such as a Windows PC, to see if it's detected? Obviously, it will not show up in File Explorer as it's formatted for Xbox use, but it should show up in Disk Management.

Also, have you tried another USB cable? Another USB port on the console?

Have you tried restarting the console?

You shouldn't lose any saves/games either way. Your game saves are always stored on the internal drive, even if the games they are for are on an external drive. They're also automatically backed up to Xbox Live, whether you have Xbox Live Gold or Game Pass Ultimate or not. Also, you can re-download your purchased games/DLC as many times as you like without having to pay again. So, yeah, if the drive is dead and needs to be replaced, your games and saves should all be fine.

Hi, I hope you're doing great out there. I am an Independent advisor and I am here to help you in regard to your concern.

Seems like you have performed all the necessary steps, do you happen to have a PC or Laptop where you can try to plug in the external hard drive and check if it will work or not?

The issue can be with the external hard drive that's why we need to test it out on a different device.

You're welcome. If there is also an external hard drive connected to your console, turn off your console then disconnect it, turn on the console without the external hard drive and see if it works fine.

Hi there. My name is Ron, I'm an independent advisor. I will be more than happy to help you.

If you do have an external hard drive connected to the console. Please turn off your console then disconnect the external hard drive. Turn on the console without it and see if everything is working fine.

This can also happen if there is a corrupted external hard drive connected to the console. Let me know if it works.

Perhaps your child's external hard drive is not working. Is your child's external hard drive recognized by the Xbox One? Does it turn on any lights?