How do I initialize (write a signature to) a hard drive in Windows

If that is the case, you may need to initialize (write
a signature to) the drive. If your drive is not detected by Windows
XP when you check in Disk Management, follow the steps below.

Note: In some cases, the Disk Signature Wizard will start immediately
when you run the Disk Management utility for the first time after
adding a new drive.

Right-click the My Computer icon on the desktop

Left-click on Manage.

Left-click on Disk Management.

The Initialize and Convert Disk Wizard will appear.

Left-click on the Next button.

Check the box to the left of the drive that you want to write a
signature to.

Left-click the Next button.

Left-click the Finish button.
The drive is now initialized. You should now be able to create a
partition and format it.