You're seeing that error trying to use the free Acronis/Intel data migration software, correct? You have your Intel SSD connected to the USB to SATA cable/adapter, and then to a USB port on your laptop, correct?
If so, the problem is the SATA to USB adapter cable.
The data migration software is designed to work with Intel SSDs, at least one as you have seen, so that it cannot be used by non-Intel drive users. That SATA to USB cable is not allowing the software to identify your SSD as an Intel product, due to a loss of protocol, data, etc., in the adapter. This is a common problem with adapters like this.
Does your laptop have two SATA drive connections, or an eSATA port? Either of those would work with this software. I don't know if other SATA to USB adapters will work with this software, what kind do you have? There may be other USB to SATA adapters that will allow this software to see your SSD as an Intel drive, hopefully someone is this forum can advise you on that. I've never used one with this software, but I have one that I will test.
You do not need to format and partition the target drive before using this software, it will prompt you to create the type of file system to create, partition size, and other options. It actually is more flexible than the Windows Disk Management feature, since it can create Linux compatible file systems.
EDIT: I forgot to mention your problem might be caused by a power issue. How is power supplied to your adapter? The power available from a single USB 2.0 port will not be enough for a SSD. If your adapter has an input for additional power, you need to use that.
Message was edited by: Robert Cook