My Maxtor external hard drive (in a USB case) seems to have failed. Though the usb is recognised and shown in the notification bar, the drive is not shown when I click My Computer.

When it is shown in My Computer and I open it, no files are shown. When I right on properties, I am told it's empty.

The HD contains my life's work and would be an invaluable loss if that happens.
I run XP SP3. Now I know why PC users must backup, backup and backup!!!

What can I do to get my data back? I am desperate!