Maxtor OneTouch 4 Plus 500gb. Unit lite started flashing rapidly and drive letter is not displayed

Question

Unit lite started flashing rapidly and drive letter is not displayed on"My computer" file. I attempted to reinstall as a new device and got a "Code 10" report. The lite flashes with only power connected or USB connected or both. The unit was purchased 11/11/2007. My Email address is [e-mail] and my name is Gale. Thanks