I am an occasional looker on this site. Not sure what you mean by "frozen".
If the drive is in a computer, when powered on, does the drive make any noise? If it is clicking or whirring, it could possibly be made to work.

If you are not comfortable taking the drive out of the computer, STOP. Find a teen ager that likes to build computers who can help you.

If the drive makes clicking noises, the disk platter(s) may be stuck. If so, take the drive out of the computer and twist is rapidly as though you were winding an old watch (remember the days when a watch ticked?). Another person on this thread described how to grasp and shake the drive. Then put it back in the computer and connect the cables to it. If it spins up, you may be able to get the data off it. Do not power it down until you are satisfied that you got all the data off it.

If the drive is not in a computer or is in an external drive package, MacSales.com sells a Newer Technology Universal Drive Adapter for around $30. I have had to use it a couple of times for cases similar to the one you describe. It comes with cables to connect to most any drive type. The other end of the affair connects via USB to your computer. This would allow you to transfer the data from the "failed" drive to your computer. It is a little slow, but for an one time use, OK. It will work with either PCs or Macs. No software is needed.

Good luck.

We have a mostly handwritten history of the family which is about 90 pages 8 1/2 X 11. It is looseleaf and starting to fall apart. There are several pictures taped to the pages. I'd guess there about 40-45 pictures in all. Any idea of a company that can do a good job of making about 10-15 books, either wire bound or book bound with hard covers? I tried the local Staples and Walgreens, but am not impressed with the cost and selection. I'm sure this has been covered before, but cannot find the link. Suggestions?

I have used a harness from https://boytharness.com/product/binocularcamera-harness/ The straps connect in the back and go over the shoulders and under the arms. The camera hangs from these straps. The first couple of times putting it on can be a struggle, but after that it isn't that bad. I got mine at a big box store, altho the price was the same as the online - - less than $25.

More than likely, the people with the cell phone cameras stepping in front to 'take a quick snap' are the same ones from the Me Too generation. They pass everyone on the freeway, leave a mess in the bathroom, barge to the front of the line, take the last plate, etc., etc. All for me. No matter if they mess up your shot, they got theirs. I quickly loose patience.

Started out with a Brownie Hawkeye, went to another Kodak that used 127 film, then while in college had a friend get me a Minolta SLR while he was in Japan. Great camera, took lots of pictures mainly slides. Several years ago I went digital. Now I use a Canon DSLR. I'm not a photographer, but a hobbiest.

The fellow that suggested an external docking station has the right idea. I'd suggest you shut down the PC, power it down, and unplug it. If the external drive has a separate power supply, unplug that and unplug from the PC. Wait a few minutes (maybe 5 or so). Then power up the PC and reboot. Power up the external drive and plug into the PC. If the drive is going to come to life, it should by now. If you are not using the external docking station, I'd suggest getting one and follow the instructions to connect the drive and try again. If that doesn't work and the drive is important to you, you may have to look into one of the companies that specialize in recovering data from failed drives. Be warned, they are super expensive, tho. One company comes to mind: www.ontrack.com/Disk_Drive I have not used them, but heard they do good work.

I don't know how much equipment you have, but if it would fit in a dresser drawer or two, and your house is air conditioned or not real high in humidity, this might work for you... Go to a woodworking store and get some Krazin foam. It comes in sizes up to 2' x 4' and about 2" thick. Use a power saw or even a butcher knife to cut it to fit the drawer. The foam is in thin layers, so use a sharpie marker in a contrasting color to draw around each camera, lens, flash, etc. Then cut the outline out. Lift enough layers to hold the equipment. If you need or want, the foam could be layered to make it 4 or 6 inches thick. Then each piece can have a form fitted spot to rest in. Your stuff won't bang around. The foam is rigid, but gives some.
Hope this works for you.

About a year ago, I bought a Binocular/Camera Harness sold by the Outdoor Connection (www.outdoorconnection.com). If you go to the web site, you may have to do some hunting for the harness. Look for accessories. It slides up your arms so the straps end up circling around your shoulders and under arms. The straps join in the back similar to suspenders. In front there are two slim straps to replace the common binocular straps. The harness holds my Canon camera easily. There is enough elasticity to allow easy access to the camera view finder or screen without disconnecting the harness at all. It also stops the banging around that is so common with the usual neck strap when you walk. The suggested retail is $21. I got mine from a big box store for somewhat less.

sometime ago, I purchased a Binocular/camera harness. It goes around one's shoulders and under the armpits on both sides and holds the camera in front of the person. It works great with my Canon, but does replace the standard strap that came with the camera. I'm not sure if it would support 7 pounds, though. You might be able to find it at outdoor connection.com.

Good luck