IDE knowledge anyone?

[Maciej W. Rozycki]

On Sun, 24 Jan 2016, Maciej W. Rozycki wrote:

> "Note: Previous ATA specifications were unclear about the error conditions 
> that this command may indicate.  Some implementations do not indicate any 
> errors for this command even when the command fails.  However, most of 
> these implementations do fail media access commands if a valid CHS 
> translation is not in effect."
> 
> -- which is (the latter sentence, that is) obviously what you've been 
> observing with your WD drive.

 Furthermore:

"Note: Some ATA-1 devices require that this command be issued prior to 
media access."

  Maciej