lost drive-help

I have two hard drives. One drive is my local drive, the other is partioned
d :and e: Well I seem to have lost my D drive. It is listed in my computer
but when I click it a message asks me if I want to format it. I ran a
simple diagnostic program under dos and an error message states boot is not
readable. Is my drive totally gone or is there a way to make it work or
recover it without having to go out and buy and expensive software program
(e.g., partion magic, hardware mechanic) which may not work. Suggestions.
any one. many thanks

dennis