Raw disc access

Does anyone know how to access the hard drive through either Visual C++ (no MASM) and/or DJGPP GNU GCC compiler with NASM.

I want to develop a disk utilitiy for Win boxes that will allow me access raw disc partitions and the FAT and FAT32 so I can recover lost data as a project. I know that MS has a DDK but they want a couple of $$$$ for the CD and it doesnt come with standard or pro edition of C++….

Thanks