HDD died

I was in the middle of some work when my 8790 froze and then it would not start up again past the HDD detect point. My 8790 had the original Toshiba 80GB 5400rpm HDD that it came with. The drive now makes a scraping noise when it runs.
I had to have my machine back to meet deadlines, so I went to Fry's, bought a Hitachi 80GB 7200rpm HDD and loaded up Windows, drivers, etc. But I lost 3to 4 days of work that I didn't back up.
I put the drive into a USB powered external HDD module. It allows Windows to recognize both partitions, but only shows the second partition's used and available space. Windows automatically brings open a window with the contents of the second partition and I can read from it and transfer files. The first partition that contains the OS and all of the important files does not show its size or contents. It cannot be opened or read. My computer freezes when the first partition is clicked.
I have two questions.
1. Can the data be retrieved cheaply? Is there any software I can download to try and retrieve the data? Anything I can do to get it out?
2. Will my extended 3 years warranty (with Warrantech) give me a new HDD? (I bought the machine in 2004 July. The extended warranty kicked in in July 2005. So another 2 years to go.) Should I call Warrantech and will they do anything or should I not waste my time?

The last time I had problems with my 8790 was I believe in Feb this year with artifacting. After some long drawn out periods of inactivity and phone calls and emails during which no one was sure who the warranty provider was, during which time my machine was sitting idle in somebody's warehouse, PC Torque's Adam and co. stepped in and amicably resolved the issue. They gave me a free repair and shipping for that time. So it is good to stick with PC Torque is what I learned from that episode.

Thanks in advance for any advice. I just wish my school work is not lost for ever.
Philip

I called the Warrentech company a month after my first call and in the mean time, PC Torque's Charles Mazzola emailed me on Oct 16th that all info has been sent to update my membership and now, Warrantech's man on the phone says that PC Torque has not sent any information yet. The information in their system lists my machine as a 9780 and 2 years warranty, when I paid for 3 years on a 8790. The guy said that not even a note has been added to my account. I don't know who screwed up, but it looks like it is PC Torque's side who is at fault now. This is the last time I buy a laptop from Sager or PC Torque.

No. I was told when I bought the laptop with 3 years additional warranty that the 1st year is covered by Philips Magnavox and then 3 years by another company. It was initially supposed to be all 4 years by Philips, but they changed their minds.