Itunes, iphoto, garageband, quicktime won't open, computer keeps freezing..

Question

Hello, I am new to this forum, and am hoping to get some help. In just the last couple of days my computer has began to run a bit funky, freeze, and the pinwheel spins. I have to restart the computer, and sometimes can't even access the force quit. Also, my itunes, garageband, iphoto, etc will not open, nor will quicktime. I just tried to play a youtube video and it shut down firefox. A couple of days ago, I had been transferring data from my computer to an external hard drive, trying to back up all my info so that I could do an update to leopard soon. I tried running Disk Utility which is located in Applications/Utilites folder and run a permissions and disk repair, but was only able to do a verify disk permissions and repair disk permissions. When I tried to verify disk, it said it could not complete due to "volume" error. The option to repair disc would not even open up as a prompt for me to try. I also noticed that the external hard drive was listed along with Macintosh HD as an option to chose to repair or verify. Here is the other thing that has been happening, and I'll try to word this as best I can. The little clicking sound that the computer makes when it is transferring data to the external hard drive won't stop. Even though I have the external disconnected, the sound that the computer made when I was transferring data, still is being made. It seems as though the computer still thinks that the external is still connected, like it is stuck, constantly making that little clicking noise, which is located in what seems to be the front right of the laptop. If anyone one has any suggestions, I would appreciate it. Thank you. J-NY

Answer 1

"When I tried to verify disk, it said it could not complete due to "volume" error."
Try running +repair disk+ from your *software install DVD* and afterwards, run +repair permissions+ *from your HD.*
If the volume cannot be repaired, you will need to use a 3rd party utility. The following utilities you should consider looking into if you do not have any:
DiskWarrior
Highly recommended for *directory damage* repairs.
TechTool Pro
Multi-functional utility.
Drive Genius Multi-functional utility.
You will need to make your own decision on which to purchase. Read up on them on their websites because each does something a little different.
You must use the versions that are compatible w/your OS system & keep the utilities updated to avoid damaging/harming/trashing your system.
"The little clicking sound that the computer makes when it is transferring data to the external hard drive won't stop."
Your HD may be dying.
TIGER: Checking the S.M.A.R.T. status of your hard disk
Failing Hard Drive Sounds
How to Tell When Your Hard Drive is Going to Fail
!http://i45.tinypic.com/jl0z95.jpg!