Have you tried pulling the drive and attaching one of the laptop connectors to USB or an IDE cable to your desktop to see if you are able to get the data off? That is one suggestion. And IF you are able to do that? Then see if you can use your Desktop system to format the drive once ALL your data has been backed up and accounted for.

They sell those laptop to IDE adapters at Best Buy and most other computer stores. The USB ones are kinda neat in their own right, I used them many a time on the laptops at my old job. Makes life a lot easier. Sounds like maybe either your USB ports on the laptop are failing or one of your external drives might be going out.

I would pull the laptop's HD and connect it via the laptop to IDE or UBS connection device and then copy your data to your desktop system. Just to make sure its one of your externals.

Just a thought or two on that one If you want? Call me up to discuss it? I will PM ya my cell number.