Surface Pro 6 - External Hard Drive Shuts off - plugs into the usb port -any one else have this issue?

[Surfacepro6eve]

Hello , Can anyone tell me why this is happening:
I have an external Hard Drive/ WD My Passport Ultra - Have been using it for a few years and never had a problem.
this is the problem:
The WD My Passport Ulta is pluged in to the usb port.
I open the file and go into the first folder , then open the 2nd folder , when I try and open anything in the folder the hard drive disconnects and shuts down.
How do I tell if the usb port has a problem, loose or needs to be replaced?
Thank you!

 

[Plantje]

Plug something else in it. And connect the drive to another device. Try using a different cable