Win2000 disk error checking causing dama

I ran error-checking in Windows 2000 (the option with defrag)
on my external hard drive (Maxtor 60G, firewire) for the 1st time.
Now the drive is recognized but Win2000 says that it is not formatted.
The drive was working fine before this.
I need help in getting it working again and saving the data.
Please answer to ldn603@yahoo.com.
Much thanks to any advise.