MacBook does not mount an external HD or a ScanDisk stick through its USB port
Disk Utility, hovering the sidebar and clicking 'Locations' as suggested in this post doesn't work
I can boot from the external HD fine (macOS 10.13.6) so I know the HD and the USB cable are fine
MacBook running Big Sur sees AirPort Time Capsule via WiFi
I can mount the external HD successfully attaching the HD to the AirPort's USB port
macOS Big Sur version 11.2.3
MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017)
Processor 1.8 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5