QUOTE(Ranger72 @ Jul 16 2008, 09:19 PM)

It requires someone to remove the flash chip and read the firmware with an external programmer. There are quite a few reliable people here that can do it.
Increasingly I am seeing a very good need for this device myself. I keep telling myself to get one and heck I may as well browse to eBay and pick up one now. lol
So True, I'm in the same boat. Need to get one myself
As for the drive itself, Drives don't just "disappear" from Windows. I think an accident happened while the drive was being prepared for flash extraction (if it ever got that far) Either power cable came loose and was plugged in the wrong way = toast or passkey got ripped off (damaged traces) Only the installer knows what exactly happened.
Its obvious that it was a screw up on the installers end. You may want to see if the drive is connected to the power/sata cable inside the xbox. If so and still not working, take the back plate off and checkout the traces for any damage (where the passkey would go)
Next time you should always check the Guarantee from the installer. Many of us offer replacements when things go bad.
Post back.
Thanks
Ex.