I need a USB 2.0 housing that will accept a laptop IDE drive.
 The important requirement here is that it is powered by the USB bus
itself, and not externally powered.
 I would appreciate it if anyone could find this item for me and a
dealer from whom I can order it.
 Thanks...

Hi,

Thank you for your question.

The following products meet your needs:

Kingwin USB 2.0, 2.5" HDD Enclosure MODEL U2EXC-P - RETAIL
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-146-304&depa=1

Review from the site:
"Just got this enclosure, it only took 2 days... Very nice newegg... I
had a extra 6 GB laptop hard drive in surplus... I placed the drive in
this enclosure, and was up and going in seconds. This enclosure works
just with the USB power"



After looking at the product page, I think this one meets your needs
as well, it draws power from the PS2 port:


ADI External 2.5" HDD Enclosure ( USB 2.0) MODEL PM-250U2-A
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-146-170&depa=1

Product page:
http://www.adimicro.com/storage_enclosure.htm

You will notice that for the 3.5" enclosures it specifies the need of
a power outlet.


A similar product:

BYTECC HD-201U2 (SILVER) ALUMINUM External 2.5" (USB2.0) Enclosure 
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-145-329&depa=1

Product page:
http://www.byteccusa.com/product/enclosure/MD-201.htm


I hope this answers your question. If you require anymore help or
clarifications, please do not hesitate to ask.

Thanks.
endo


Search strategy

ide usb on newegg.com
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?DEPA=1&submit=Go&description=usb%2Cide

Just what I needed - thanks!

Thank you for the rating and generous tip.
Regards,
endo