I think you'll find the problem is with Windows 7 rather than your HD+. Noticed how slooow large file transfesr become when they're going to peripherals like ExtHDs or flashdrives? Lots of info on this Win7 "flaw" on the "Net.
Just a couple of quick clarifications. There is an Odin Mobile app that can be used to flash roms. BUT it only works on selected Samsung devices, notably the older Samsung Galaxy phones. No way to use it to try what you want. No connection to NC at all. Unless your Fascinate is utterly bricked...
Prepping your electronic device can be very frustrating (try out the original Galaxy S for real hairpulling fun), but, failing something severely wrong with your hardware, you should not be having such trouble with your Nook! First, check all the 'duh' stuff. It is a Color and not a tablet, yes...
I've tried 10.1, and it is spiffy looking and very modish, but I still always go back to the microchip with 7.2 Kang (last build). For my money, it's the most stable, useful, and fits the rather antiquated hardware of the Nook best.
What version of CWM is on your boot card? Some earlier versions have trouble with the later issued NCs. Also, make sure it isn't a Nook Tablet (I know, but it is amazing how many don't actually know there is a difference.)
Don't know if this will help since it seems you are running a standard Nook OS (I use CMod 7.2 and run
it off a SD card), but I just looked, and found all the volumes I had downloaded from the B&N site are located
on my emcc (i.e. I believe this is where my stock B&N OS is located) in a file...
If you truly have nothing happening, it certainly sounds like a hardware problem. Pulling battery to reset is worth a try. It's worked for me on several Android devices (never tried it with a Nook, though). Somewhere recently in the forum I read how to do a safe battery pull on a Noo, but don't...