HELP! Extracting data from a dead laptop with a laptop hard drive adapter

Greg Shultz, I followed you advice on your article from Mar 3, 2004, BUT trying to avoid opening my desktop, I purchased the kit for USB connection http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat%5Fid=1501&sku=39994
The laptop HD makes tracking noises; I see the drive on my desktop but can?t open it.
Do you think if I don?t use the USB connection and go directly inside the desktop would it work? Some tells me that my laptop is completely dead and is not going to work! I?m afraid to make more damage to it. Help!