First of all ensure the hard drive is configured as master with it's linking pins at the rear, there is usually a diagram, try refitting the cable better still try a new one, or at least a known good cable...
The wire in them are only about 28AWG and for the connections the crimp forks rely on piercing the insulation to make connections... one only needs to become loose, usually happens when you pull them out with the 'scruff of the neck' er, wires. Always use the plastic plug for removing and inserting.
I would try these first of all because as these are the most common cause, there may well be others... we want to do thing logically, a bit like climbing a ladder.
For the freezing on adapter fault, I would suggest try another adapter or at least try it elsewhere, could well be ripple on the supply affecting regulation due to bad capacitors even if it may chage the batteries OK.
I'm just a bit confused as it sort of sounds like you are talking desktop rather than laptop. The drive is in a carrier that plugs in when inserted. The machine is seeing the drive and even trying to load the OS. Are there actually cables within the laptop. I can begin to disassemble but want to make sure there is a purpose. Thanks
Dell Inspiron 1150 frustration 
Linear Mode
