A1200 floppy drive - not recognizing disk swaps

[Homer]

It does sound like the simple option unless you can find a local person selling a complete Amiga for £10 in your local paper. I guess I would also investigate putting the external drive inside the Amiga as a test to be sure though. I guess its all down to your finances  :lol:

[Homer]

Mintfresh: Did you get anywhere with this ? Let us know  :-)

[Homer]

It sounds like twizzle has it right. I think you would be better to take the drive out so you can see it properly, then dismantle the cover and check the operation of the switches and clean where necessary :-)
As said before, the substitution of a different drive if only to eliminate other possibilities is always a good idea.
Good luck  :-)