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Whenever you are confronted with this error, you should download the drive maker's diagnostic tool and test it. It will tell you if the drive has failed. The test bypasses Windows and interrogates the drive directly, even if your system can't 'see' it. Download the file to create a bootable floppy disk containing the testing tool.

You'll have to ascertain what make the hard disk is first. Since it won't be listed in Device Manager you'll have to open the system case and look at the label on the disk. You may have remove the screws and slide it out to see that.

It's pointless messing about with any other ideas till you've tested it. If the test says 'failed' that's the end of the road for it. No amount of messing about will bring it back. So save yourself some time and do it right. Previous posters mean well but a diagnostic test should come first because it's so easy to do yet gives you valuable information.