How do I remount a 'lost' external hard-drive?

Apologies if the answer to this problem is straightforward - it's just that I've not experienced it before. I've just checked 'Software Update' on my G5 iMac and downloaded the latest security update not realising that a Lacie 500 Gb external hard-drive was connected via firewire and switched on.
When I restarted the iMac, the external hard-drive wouldn't mount. I've tried shutting everything down and powering up and it still won't mount. I've tried searching for files I know are contained on the drive, but am unable to find anything. So I tried attaching it to my Intel MacBook but it won't mount here either. My portable Lacie drive (also a firewire connection) mounts fine on both iMac and MacBook, so I know it's nothing to do with the security update I'd downloaded.
Have I damaged my 500 Gb by accidentally having it connected and turned on while downloading this security update then restarting? Or is it just confused and there's a simple way of getting it to remount? The drive contains my iTunes library, several Logic projects and a back-up photo library - I don't want to lose it! Thanks in advance for any help anyone can give me.

Thanks both Miriam and Duane for your replies, but I've found out something that has put everything right. I don't quite understand it but thought I'd post it as a reply to my own question just in case anyone who has suffered something similar looks at this thread for some help.
When I explained the problem to a friend on mine, he suggested turning off all power from the mains supply for the computer and external drives and unplugging from the socket for at least a minute. Then unplug all USB and firewire peripherals attached to the Mac and turn the computer back on. When it has completely powered up, re-attach your external drives and turn on. Hey presto! They returned. Hope this might help as an option if anyone looks at this thread.

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