Problems with USB drives

Does anyone know how to get off the format thing without having to erase everything on the drive. I tried on getting into the documents I had saved for school, and it want let me in. It keeps popping up a message bringing up about Formatting the disk. If I do I will lose everything. If anyone knows how to get into the documents without erasing anything or any help please feel free to respond!!
Thanks,
Amber

 

start up pc in safe mode and c if u can get access 2the files

 

Safe mode will start windows using a minimal number of drivers and processes, so if anything, it will make accessing a USB drive even harder.

Sounds like you're in a tight spot, there. This usually happens when the filesystem gets messed up.

You MIGHT try running a chkdsk on the drive letter that corresponds to the USB drive. If that helps, great, BUT BACKUP YOUR DATA.