Having trouble with external disk drives in USB enclosures

I know that this isn't the right newsgroup for my question, but I hope
that someone can suggest anNG where I might find an answer. I have four
Maxtor IDE drives (one new, three previously used in XP and 98 boxes. I
have house brand CompUSA and an Acomdata USB enclosures. I have been
successful in getting Vista to recognize the existence of three of these
drives; I can access only one--one of the old ones. I hope that someone
can suggest the proper place I might inquire. I have tried alt.comp.usa,
but my post is the only one to that group since June 4--obviously not a
very active spot. Any help will be appreciated.
Allen