"What can I do?"

1. Get a good hard disk and get the machine working again.

2. Attach that old drive to the second IDE controller all on its own and see if you can copy off your files.

3. If you want to try backup before you remove the drive, read http://tips.oncomputers.info/archives2004/0401/2004-Jan-11.htm about how to boot a KNOPPIX and backup without touching that drive.

Bob