VFAT Device Initialization failed – HELP

My Windows 95 machine is unable to boot up and displays a blue screen with the following message “VFAT Device Initialisation Failed” A device or resource required by VFAT is not present or is unavailable. VFAT cannot continue loading. System Halted.

I foolishly haven’t backed up my files and am in danger of losing 5 years work. I have checked the Microsoft Website but their solutions do not seem to work. The machine slowed down after i was on the internet and after restarting the error message appeared.

I would be hugely appreciative if you could give me a workable solution. Thanks.