The "stuck record" comment sounds like a potential error recovery process that is failing, likely a data corruption that is non-recoverable.

A couple of things to try, in addition to disk recover software. If you have access to another system, see if that system can "see" the drive. Sometimes, timing variations between systems are enough to allow drive access.

Also, and this might seem a bit weird, try putting the drive in the refrigerator for a few minutes (say 5-10 minutes). Cooling down a drive will occassionally aid in accessing failed drive mechanisms, although this is by no means a sure thing.

If you are able to access the drive, pull your critical data off of it as quickly as possible!

Good luck.