Beeping Maxtor HDD @ startup

Croaking_Toad SG

I have an old Maxtor DiamondMax Plus 8 ATA/133 30GB HDD that I use solely for data storage of music files, videos, pics, etc.

Lately, I noticed that the HDD will beep continuously during startup, until just before the Windows screen comes on. Furthermore, the HDD is now never detected by the computer and does not show up under 'My computer' or 'Device manager'. I can feel that the HDD is spinning. Besides the beeping sound during startup, there is no scratching noise to indicate that the head or the media is destroyed or whatever.

Can anybody advise me what's the beeping sound about? Since it is now not detected by the PC, does that mean the HDD is corrupted? Am I still able to salvage the data inside? Anybody has used the services of the data recovery companies before? I heard they are expensive. Any recommendations?

Thanks.

SBS7484P SG

It's dead, Jim.

Croaking_Toad SG

So next Qns: Can I still salvage the data?

SBS7484P SG

Yeah you probably can but not on your own.

You'll probably require the services of a data recovery company with clean room facilities.

Companies like Kroll Ontrack come to mind, and they charge at least a few thousand.

lce SG

u put a password?

Croaking_Toad SG

Nope, no password.

So it's basically dismantling the HDD in a clean room and putting it into a new casing and hopefully it works rite? All for a few thousand dollars?

SBS7484P SG

Dismantling the HDD, taking the platters apart and performing a platter transplant.

For at least $5,000.