It is just sitting out there. Dont belittle me computer science guy, I know the difference between an external harddrive and an ide to usb cable.

 

I think when they are saying enclosure, they are meaning it to include the IDE to USB converter as well.

So even if it's not in a physical case, what they are saying still applies.

Get a new converter.

 

Who is they? Anyway, I dont think there is any real difference between an enclosure and the cable I have (comes with the power adapter), aside from cooling. I just would like verification to the problem because its obvious the cable works.

 

They = anyone that said enclosure. Marshy for one.

I'd try a different hard drive, try the whole setup on another computer. Start knocking out what could be the problem and you'll soon find the problem.

If you replace the drive and there no problem, bingo. Problem is the other drive.
If you try the whole setup on another computer with no problem, bingo. Problem is with your computer, not the drive/converter.
If you replace the drive AND try it on another computer, bingo, problem is the converter.