Formatting usb stick

[Sukistjames]

Just put my usb in my laptop and it says it needs formatting. I think this will lose all my files won't it? It's got all my school planning on!

[cdtaylornats]

Formatting will lose your files.

Was it created under a different operating system?

Did you remove it improperly?

[Sukistjames]

Yes, I daren't format it! I've tried recovering the files using Recuva but no joy.
It's always been used on the same laptop and not for a while now so it's possible I last removed it without ejecting it properly.

[cdtaylornats]

You could try a local computer shop, otherwise ...