So an update on the issue. The drives both work just fine and they are the same type, of course. The drive manufacturer's website says they are compatible with the laptop I specifically have. I spoke with support from Asus. They say the only thing that is left is to send it in. I was seriously wishing I could avoid that.
So anyone else having this issue...your bios is updated, your drive is compatible and your drives are working fine otherwise as external drives, then you've probably done all you can but most likely your drive should work.