How can I transfer files off an external hard drive formatted for windows?

I just bought my first mac (yay!) and am trying to transfer my files off of my old pc.  The problem is that I stored all my personal files on an external hard drive, which is of course formatted for windows.  My mac will open it, but it is "read only."  I tried plugging it back into my pc and using the Migration Assistant to transfer my files over, but it was not detected (rest of the pc was).
However, the second time I tried plugging it in to my pc, it told me it would need to be formatted first.  Obviously my mac has changed something on it, and now all my personal files are on a hard drive that is unusable by either my old pc or my new mac! 
Any suggestions would be appreciated!  Heads up though, I am not especially computer literate, and my pc needs to stay intact as the husband needs it and some of the programs on it for school.  Also, I have a second external hard drive that is brand new with nothing on it, if that will come in handy.
Thanks!

Format the extra HDD to EXFAT as previously indicated.  There are two ways that can use to transferr the data. 
1.  Connect both drives to the PC and the copy the files to the newly formatted (EXFAT) drive from the HDD with the data .  Then connect the EXFAT drive to the MBP and transfer the data to same.
2.  Connect both drives to the MBP and open DISK UTILITY>RESTORE.  Drag the drive with the data on it to the 'Source' field.  Drag the EXFAT drive to the 'Destination' field.  Click on the 'Restore' butt is on.  After the transfer has been completed, close DISK UTILITY and place the data on the MBP where you want it.
Ciao.

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