I'd like to open with the statement, I'm not a computer expert.  I recently retired and with time on my hands have been able to resurrect several "dead" Dell PCs. A Dell Precision T3500 with a 6 core XEON CPU, Dell XPS 8300 are two of the PCs which I've been able to bring back from the "dead".

   I'm building a Dell OptiPlex 990 Mini-Tower for use as a HTPC; using parts I have on hand. Thus far I've loaded Windows 7 Ultimate into an Intel 80GIG SSD, updated all drivers and am using legacy boot. The machine boots to desk top in less than 30 seconds.

My problem is this; the motherboard has four SATA ports. Two which are black in color; another pair which are a white color.  The first pair of SATA ports are being used for the SSD and the optical drive. I'm unable to make the PC recognize any HDD which has been attached to either of the white SATA ports.  What am I doing wrong.  The drive I want to use is a Western Digital 1 TB 2.5" hybrid slim.  How do I "activate" the two white color SATA ports? 

Thoughts, questions, solutions anyone?

Dr. Bill