Dude, I know this will sound ridiculous, but what do you have to loose? Try this: wrap up the dead HD in an anti-static bag and an air-tight bag, and stick it in the freezer. Yes, the freezer. Take it out after a half-hour, and put it back in the computer. You
might be able to access data on it until it heats up again, so I'd be ready with another drive so you can copy things over.
I've heard first-hand of this working twice, but I'm not sure exactly why. I think it has to do with some sort of sealant inside the HD that expands with the heat and can cause problems. The cold makes it contract again, and enables acces to the drive for a bit (+/- 1 hour...?). Of course, if the problem with your drive doesn't have anything to do with whatever it is that contracts and expands... oh well.

Good luck!
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