Gemini37:
(Raises hand) I have had a lot of expierience with HD recovery software and techniques...just PM me Mike. 
Just send you a pm with details Gem...
I haven't lost hope yet, and most of the stuff i lost is recoverable from other sources.
I am informed the disk controller of the hdd is defect. The hdd emits a fast repetiitive ELECTRICAL 3-tone riff. Apparently this can be restored. The external hdd back-up which died with it is a different matter entirely. These are built to withstand a bit of bashing, so should have survived. The problem with this drive appears to be the drive access.
It shows up in disc-management as a cd/dvd-rom instead of an hdd. I've opened the external hdd box, and connected the hdd itself directly to my pc, taking care to set the jumpers correctly. To date however no progress made.
Any more ideas are welcome
- mike =)).