Can’t access external hard drive via SATA to USB adapter

My desktop “died” over a year ago. It was a Dimension E521 XP Home Edition,  [Admin NOTE: Service tag removed per TOU policy , Model # DC8M, Product Key JX4CP-Y6XB7.

 I now want to recover files from the hard drive via my laptop. I bought a Vantec 2.5"/3.5"/5.25" SATA/IDE to USB 2.0 Adapter - Model CB-ISATAU2 and set it up via pg 7 here http://www.vantecusa.com/system/application/media/data_file/061709_cb-isatau2_manual_us-all.pdf

 I do not see it in windows explorer like when I plug in a thumb drive. Is there something else I need to do to make my pc recognize \ find it? From another forum I was told to look under Devices and Printers (not in the control panel but an entry below it on the right pane when you click the orb/start button). You should see Mass Storage Device.” No mass storage device seen but under device manager > DVD/CD-ROM Drives > MATSHITA DVD RAM UJ-884 USB Device when I right-clicked on it and went to properties on the general tab it says "Location: On USB mass storage device.” Also, when I right click on my pc under Devices and Printers there is an Eject option with an arrow which then shows USB Mass Storage Device - so it's recognizing it somehow I think.

 I was given a link on how to get to disk management which I did then I uploaded a print screen of that dialog box to my website at http://www.fairmountpetservice.com/prtscreen.jpg

 So can anyone help me figure out why my laptop isn’t reading the external drive. I tried it in a different usb port and no difference.

 Thanks!

Jim