Yeah, I'm 90% sure that it's just not compatible with my specific external hdd. I'm split between rolling the dice and buying a new, different one, or seeing if I can patch a newer kernel (one that supports my specific usb device) to have all the rio central features.

If I mess with the kernel, I'd probably need to hook up a console to the board. Does anyone sell the device to hook up a console? I'm not very handy with a soldering iron.