Hi
I think I may have accidentally deleted some files from my external HDD

(TOSHIBA PX1223EE-1G32 3.5" 320GB EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE ). Whilst formatting my Lap-Top hard drive. I’m running WIN XP PRO Service Pack 2.
The confusing thing is XP does it’s usual and say’s it’s recognised the USB device and that it’s ready to be used but the drive is not in MY COMPUTER.
I would really appreciate any help as I have some important documents in there and I really hope that I haven’t lost them.
Fingers crossed for your advice!!!