I use an HC-42 Handy Cam all the time with Firewire (IEEE 1394). Shortly after I started using it on the computer it quit working. Software reported that it was working fine but would not connect to the camera. To make a long story short the Firewire connector on the docking station had a bent pin. I ordered another connector from Mouser Electronics. Being pretty good with a tiny soldering iron, I replaced the connector and it has worked fine ever since. It was a very tedious job to replace the connector. A replacement docking station is insanely overpriced. This might be your problem. Or not.
My external hard drive works great with a USB 2 connection.
Good luck