How Do I Install My Hp Personal Media Drive I Bought In '07 & Never Set Up?

I bought this Personal Media Drive from HP after coming home from surgery and finding my Windows XP had went out.  I never was able to set it up so it has never been used.  It is this exact model 5ooGB Model No: hd5000x, Serial No. CNU71505JW.  I bought it over the phone while speaking with HP about getting my computer up & going,(which I couldn't).  So, being tired of continueing to loose all of my info., I purchased it that night with the carry case, total $248.95 and  an additional 1,000Mgb Ramm total of another $162.36. I have never been able to set it up as the computer continues to tell me "it does not recognize the USB Port".  Can you please help me?  I had bought a new Windows Vista after my XP burnt up, now I also have a Windows 7 Laptop my niece gave me as a gift as I am bedridden and it enables me to 'skype' with my family back home in Louisiana.  Please, can someone help me???????????????? HP kept telling me I should have received a CD with my Personal Media, which I didn't, and for 2 years promised to send me one.  After repeatedly calling them, I was then given an email address by HP, that was supposed to help me download it, but the site they gave me was not correct.  I finally put it up & gave up.  I have undergone 43 surgeries on & for my back, having it rebuilt in '05 so I could walk again, and my computer is very important to me.  Living on now $800 a month disability can not afford to purchase another new desktop when the hard drive went out for the second time in my Vista & can't afford another one for now.  Then, I just had to return my Laptop to factory setting on Jan. 24, after having it just since October, '11 (3 mths old) from crashing, and lost all of my family members pictures that I have been collecting & scaning that have passed away.  I turned 65 in Dec., '11, & hope to get as many pics. out to my real family on FB as I can, while I am still here.  HELP ME PLEASE!!