WD Smartware not detected

WD Software WD Software
1

When I insert my WD protable drive, it says that I need to format the disk before use. Does it mean that the data is corrupt and cannot be retrieved or is there an option to retrieve the data somehow?

I have tried inserting in different USB ports as well; but the error message is consistent.

Is the HDD completely useless or can it still be used after formatting the drive?

Any help is appreciated.

2

If asking to be reformatted then data is corrupted, you still might be able to retrieve the data with a software . 

The drive might still work once you reformat.