I assume you plugged in then unplugged USB HDD ?
event id: 10016 can usually be ignored. but it is odd no other Warnings etc !
Q. do you have a second Windows PC/Laptop to see if the issue is the same on second windows device ?
Q1. Try logging onto your PC with Admin account (permisions) to see if this helps ?
Q3. make sure Windows is upto date and update driver for USB HDD to correct version .
I am just wondering if it is some form of AV you are using? I will have a dig today on my laptop to investigate also 
Edit; Device Manager -> Disk Drives. Policies, Check the configuration of each device under disk drives. Under one of the options, check if option is available to select between “quick removal” and “performance”. choose performance.
In a completely sane world, madness is the only freedom (J.G.Ballard).
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