Hmmm,

You might try slaving it to another machine?

The problem with heat and HDDs is that they tend to be in a fairly crowded part of the box and a build-up of hot stale air can take place. I tend to use an exhaust fan to improve the throughflow.

Vibration is the other factor as mentioned..........subwoofers are great HDD killers

Incidentally, the controller card should have a little green light on it........... does this light up. If it doesn't then replacing the controller card (if you can find one) will probably work. This light is usually inside the drive's case so you have to look through thje gaps in it

Otherwise try sticking it in the freezer.