How to retrieve work form my broken data pen?

I've never had any problems with my data pen before and i've been using it for over a year..but a week before the start of college it has decided to break with every single piece of coursework i've done and still require on it :(
The computer recognises the USB memory pen but a window pops up saying the disk needs to be formatted.. but i've been told this means it will wipe the disk clean and erase my work. I CANNNNNOT let this happen..i really need my stuff. How come its just decided it needs to be formatted and is there any way i can get round this

I'm using a LEXAR media Jumpdrive 128MB pen

please please help

Hannah
August 2005