An administrator powers up a server with hot plug storage but the drive lights do not flash. What should be checked FIRST?

When dealing with a server that features hot-plug storage and the drive lights do not flash upon powering up, the most logical first step is to check the backplane cabling. The backplane serves as a circuit board that connects multiple drives and allows for power and data connections to those drives. If the backplane is not properly connected, it can prevent power from reaching the drives, resulting in the drive lights remaining off.

Ensuring the integrity and functionality of the backplane cabling is crucial because any disruption or disconnection in this pathway can lead to issues with drive detection and operation. Validating that the cabling is securely connected and undamaged eliminates one of the most fundamental points of failure in the server's hardware.

Subsequent checks, such as inspecting the BIOS settings, updating RAID controller firmware, or installing hard drive firmware, may all be important for other operational issues or system performance. However, they are secondary steps that presume the physical connections within the server are intact and functional. Addressing physical cabling issues first is typically the most efficient way to diagnose and resolve power-related concerns with hot-plug drives.