Hi Copas
What drive is it the model would be enough info . What happens when you try to access it, is it detected correctly in the bios and if not what is it detected as ?
The best tool to check the drive is MHDD from here
http://hddguru.com/software/2005.10.02-MHDD/Just for future reference freezing a drive is a No no.
Knocking a drive is the same.
The best way is to have all the software tools available. Check the computer and cables with a known good drive. If this is the first time you have used the software get familiar with it on a known good system first.
Then attach the failing drive, listen, watch the bios identification of the drive, if either sound or look wrong turn the computer off. Until the drive is detected in the bios correctly no software except MHDD will be safe accessing the drive so don't try.
If you come back with answers to the above I am happy to advise you of the steps you can take.
Thankyou
Lisa_maree