Disk utility can't repair but can't access the HD to back-up files?
I'm relatively new to MACs and have a 2TB Seagate with a good portion of our family pics on it. I opened the Disk Utility and attempted to repair the HD but get the message:
"Error: Disk Utility can’t repair this disk. Back up as many of your files as possible, reformat the disk, and restore your backed-up files."
Here's where I'm stumped...I can't actually access the disk to back it up. At one point I was able to open the disk and see the files so I went and bought another HD to back it all up....but now I can't access it. I've found a few threads discussing using recovery software but the data isn't that important. I was using the HD as my Time Machine BU so I'm more nervous about re-formatting it and trusting it with my data again. Should I bother even reformatting it or just toss the thing?
iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.5), Seagate 2TB HD