Mac won't recognize Sony DCR-SR40 Handycam

I'm trying to import videos from a Sony Handycam DCR-SR40.  This was purchased about 8 years ago. (i.e. 2006 or so)  The camera works fine, I can play, record, use all features.
I am running a mac book pro previously with OS Mavericks, recently upgraded to Yosemite
I am unable to see/connect to the Hard Drive on the Handicam.  I have the docking station and all the correct cables.  It just never detects the cam as an external device.
And, yes, I goto the touch screen USB Select Menu and select [ComputerIcon]HDD - It says "preparing" and never moves from there.
PLEASE anyone have suggestions?  Very important files on this camera
DL

Welcome to the forums!
As this is the iMovie 5 forum, you will probably get a better response if you post in the iMovie 9 forum:
http://discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=1307
Please add information on what format your camera records to. Most DVDs are mpeg2 which is the final delivery format not intended for editing, which means file conversion and loss of quality before you can import it into iMovie.
Or, to put it another way, your camera is incompatible with iMovie.

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