error code 14-127 (dir tv box)

Anyone ever got this error message on their D* box? It says "storage device malfunction" - which would seem to indicate a problem with the external SATA drive I've had connected for the last couple of years. However, when I unconnected it and re-booted (which would be from the internal HDD) I get the same message. Of course I'm told to call D* - which I've done, but I've been on hold for an hour waiting for someone to pick up the line and thought I'd try here. Curious as to which will get a response first...
lol

so - what's the "internal storage error"?
Obviously it's not either of the HDDs

Finally got someone on the phone (1-1/2 hours on hold!)
They'll send me a new one as long as I pay S&H, and of course I lose all my recorded shows...
At least she didn't wig out when I mentioned the external HD, which is a step up from the last time I called for something.
Thanks for the help though - wish you'd had some magic trick for me...

Wish I could just pop the hood and replace the controller-
I'm guessing I can't just run over to Fry's and grab a replacement

Well, this is way more help than I could have expected - much appreciate VOS

Not a huge surprise but I fail the filesystem verification and get the 0x70 error message when checking the internal hdd. (The SMART test hangs and won't complete)

So-the $100,000 question is "does a bad internal hdd kill/disable the box-even when running on an external SATA drive?" (That would be cool + easy to fix, so it's probably not the case...)

In browsing the D* forums, the only answer given is "your box is toast, send it back for a replacement".

Well, I tried a couple more things today (what could I lose after all?)
I popped the cover and dropped in another internal drive-upon rebooting the box went straight into some kind of "HDD file problem" mode and spent the next hour or so looking for errors on the drive. I didn't find any, but still wouldn't boot.
I think went back into the diagnostic menu and was able to get all the way through. The file system test still failed for the internal drive, but the one for the external (I connected it for this go 'round) one passed with flying colors.

I've learned one thing here, the internal drive needs to be functional for the unit to operate even if you have an external connected. (You're not simply bypassing the internal-the box is well aware of what's going on...)
My best guess is that the HDD controller for the internal drive is hosed, although it's a different controller from the one that runs the external. If it were simply a bad drive, popping a new one would have fixed things-
sigh...