Can you post the procedure that you use to make the tape backup?
Do you have the original media and license information, and if so, what is the release information on the cd?
---------- Post updated at 04:45 PM ---------- Previous update was at 04:02 PM ----------
While your are finding that info, you should acquire another computer. P4 single core with 256-512mb ram and 40-80gb disk (must be ide not sata) and cd reader, in a standard case (so that if there is an interface card in the current system for the tape drive, it will fit in the new case (if there is such a card, and it is not pci we may have a problem.)
Also acquire an additional disk at least as large as the failing one.
Download
Miray Software - HDClone - Hard disk copy, hard disk backup, hard disk rescue! and create the cd so that you can attempt to duplicate the failing disk.