Data recovery from a failed Internal Harddrive of a laptop

Hi, I have a failed SATA 80G internal toshiba hard drive. I am trying to recover data on to a different computer by using a connector that connects to the USB drive. When I connect the usb to the computer the hard disk is recognized for a few seconds and before trying to take any actions it goes away. It also looks like the hard disk is running(giving some revolving noise).
Any help is appreciated.
thanks
:cry

 

Hey Oldorchard.
So, just to understand this, you have a Sata 80GB internal HD, and are using a Sata to USB connector to transfer the files?

Do you have all the proper drivers for the USB connector?

Also, is there any knocking noises, or just a nice hum?

Thanks

 

Yes, I am using a SATA to USB connector to transfer the files from a SATA 80 GB internal HD.
I have the cd that came along with the SATA to USB connector which should contain the Drivers.

There is no knocking sound. Only a nice hum.

Thanks ELDER.

 

Alright.

Have you checked under your Device Manager, to see if it is being recognized or not, also, check also in Disk Management to see if its being recognized. And you did install the CD software that came with the USB/Sata Adapter?

Thanks again.