maxtor onetouch not detected nemore

[jjsk8]

bought maxtor onetouch 200gig external two months ago. works only for couple a week. my computer does not detect it anymore. tried installing and reinstalling software zillion times with no luck.
when i turn it on i get a "new usb device found". but can't see it under "my computer" not on "disk management". under device manager i see an "unknown device". Under "Other Device" (application manager,WMI Performance Adapter and USB device). everything else is working fine.(usb mouse, ipod, webcam). i have priceless data on it already. i can hear the disk boot up when i turn it and the power light is on. ne help would be appreciated.
i have xp pro with sp2.

 

[ski]

If possible, connect it using a different USB cable.
If no luck, then connect it to a different system.
If it's also firewire compatible, then try that either on your system, or on another if yours does not have that port.
If it's not recognized anywhere, then it may be toast.