MacBook HDD dead; looking for a replacement if data recovery isn't possible

The HDD in one of my MacBooks has died - ticking at startup, and the file folder with the exclamation point ( ! ) on it upon boot. This just happened randomly one day, as I was watching a movie and the movie froze. I shut the computer down for the night, and the next morning this was what I was presented with upon startup.
I've tried a number of things - rebooting, cold restarting, resetting the PRAM, and booting from the OSX CD to use disc utility, nothing works. In disc utility the HDD isn't even recognized (it doesn't show up all all, only my SuperDrive). I've even removed the HDD and set it up as an external one to my second MacBook with no luck (it, again, doesn't mount, and so isn't detected in disc utility).
Now the issue that I have is, will it be possible to salvage this drive (if for nothing else than just the files on it)? The files aren't dreadfully important, and I don't want to spend a whole lot of money to recover them. I've tried using the demos of File Salvage, Data Rescue II, and Drive Genius 2 but none of them have been able to help me. Is there another way to mount the drive, so that I can access and/or recover my files?
If there isn't, I'm going to purchase a new HDD (this is under warranty, so it'll be replaced, but I want a backup/upgrade as well). What is the maximum capacity HDD that a MacBook will be able to use? I know that it's a SATA HDD, and I can easily get HDDs that are 500GB, but will those be compatible with my computer?
Thanks in advance.

It does sound as though your drive has expired...try placing the bad drive in your freezer for a while and then place it in the external case you mentioned and see if you can get it to mount....I have seen reports here that it can help the drive to mount although I have not tried it myself...
As to the size of the drive..it needs to physically fit in the MacBook...9.5 mm in height and 2.5' SATA...storage capacity is not the issue...500 GB's is fine

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