Thor, or should that be Zeus?

[Chaz]

I've got a cheap USB adapter, and have never had any problems. I did have to destroy the case to get it to directly fit onto the drives though.

Are you using the correct type of cable?
You'll need to check if it should be a straight through cable, or crossover cable (I would guess it should be a crossover for serial comms). Probably best to test the one you've already got, and then order the opposite.

I had tried a cable and had cut / moved the wires manually. I should just order one of each and test again.