MissFangs

SO, I fixed it.
Evidently, there must be something running in the background on my computer that prevents the storage space from being created - I have absolutely no idea what it could be. However, I can create a storage space on another computer and when I reconnect it to mine, it retains the storage space (ie. it shows up in my storage spaces and can be used). Hopefully this helps someone who has the same problem.
Thanks again for your help Korben - I really appreciate your time!

Good news   Maybe it's the "extender"? (don't what this actually is...an extension cable?A USB hub?)
It also could just be the fact that you physically disconnected the drives (for more than a few seconds). I read some google entries where people reported that this fixed their problems with accessing the devices. Maybe try it again on the back, just to be sure...
 

I have the R9 290, it's less than 8 months old. I highly doubt it's the GPU, though I won't rule it out. I'm tempted to blame whatever program is running my temp up in the first place, as it immediately goes down after closing internet explorer in my task manager.

OK I get you, a clean installation might be your best bet, but you could just reset your system to the point before the installation of the mentioned program. A back-up should have been created automatically. Or just manually remove this MaxFind program.

Well I would bet that it isn't the GPU then.  That Internet Explorer thing is really weird.  Try getting a malware sweep program like Malwarebytes or something.  Also Microsoft Security Essentials is a good program and I've used it a lot in the past.  If it tells you it found something that needs to be removed, I would remove it. 

OK right. Then you just go to the built-in backup manager and reset your system to a point in time before the problem occured. I'm sorry that I can't provide a full guide right this second but I'm sure the other guys around here are willing to help. :-)

Don't worry about it. Thanks for your help! I'll update the forum with my results...

Just an update, I uninstalled Internet Explorer and so far my GPU clock hasn't spiked. Just as a precaution, I'm running a scan with Malwarebytes to see if it finds anything... 
 
Thanks everyone for the help!

Run Malwarebytes

I just reinstalled the non beta version of Catalyst and the GPU Usage isn't dropping! Thanks for the help!
 
I'll post more info here if the problem comes back for those of you having this issue...

I just reinstalled the non beta version of Catalyst and the GPU Usage isn't dropping! Thanks for the help!
 
I'll post more info here if the problem comes back for those of you having this issue...

I wouldn't recommend buying a Windows key from an unauthorized seller.
 
You can buy a windows key from the Microsoft website, Amazon, or Newegg, along with a plethora of other authorized merchants. 

I say the GPU might be on the verge of dying. Can't tell only from graph. Try going to non beta drivers. Had a similar problem with a client a month or two ago.

Use it as backup
Ghetto mount to shitty gpu

Ducktape to the side panel
Will work 69/69