Instead of rewriting what I wrote last night, I'll just link you to this:

http://www.doomworld.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=35579

The Doom Community has been extremely helpful and understanding, and while it isn't the first place I'd go to for non-doom stuff, in this case those that I have helped (and even those I haven't) have REALLY come through. At the time of this writing people have donated about $475 out of my rough goal of $1000. That's in 2 DAYS. Simply amazing. To everyone that has donated, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! When I have the funds gathered the drive in question will be sent off to a company for data recovery. I will have to buy a new drive, but I don't think I'll shy away from western digital; they've been a good brand for me. However, I think my next drive might be a Seagate.