You haven't posted enough vital info. What macOS is installed on the M1? What M1 computer is it? How are you connecting the external drive to the M1 (whatever computer it is?) I suspect this is the real issue.
What format is the external drive and what enclosure?
None of the modern macOS versions, Monterey, Ventura, and Sonoma, should have any trouble reading any Apple formatted HFs+ HDD, if the cable is good and the connection is secure and stable.
Simple test, use a different cable and/or port. Apple Silicon Macs, like my M2 MBA, have USB-C/Thunderbolt 3/4 ports.
How are you connecting that HHD?