This may sound a bit 'loopy,' but I too had a drive with stuff on it that wasn't all that important, but I wanted to try to recover the files on it.

I removed the HD, put it in a plastic-bag, and stuck it in the family freezer overnight, and low and behold the next day I was able to access the HD. As I say, sound 'loopy,' but worth a try. I think freezing it causes it to liven up! I got this tip from another forum.

I do have a complete back up for my main c:\ drive and use a programme called 'HD-Clone' for back-up. I believe that you can get the 'back-up' part of the DVD for free on the web. Simple and quick to use.

regards

grimerz