Time machine backup files gone and can't create new backup

Last week I noticed on my Time Machine backup HD that the Backup.backupdb files were gone. Also I am unable to complete backups any longer. I get an error "The backup disk image “/Volumes/Time Machine-2/walle.sparsebundle” could not be accessed (error -1)."
This Volume "Time Machine" is connected to an Airport Extreme 7.6.1. I have ejected the disk, disconnected all users, cycled the power on my computer (2.26Ghx MacBook running 10.7.5), Airport, and HD. All it does after I eject is that it give the Volume a new number...ie instead of "Time Machine" it becomes "Time Machine-1"...then "Time Machine-2" and repeates the error message with the new name. So I cannot start a new backup because of the above error on top of not being able to find my old files.
Thanks for the help

Hmmm.. sorry to jump in but...
I Wish I had seen this before I got mine.
Mine has been doing this auto eject stuff too.
I think I just plugged it in and TM let me select it but is it possible
I should have reformatted it with DU first, like with all the WD drive problems ?
Is it too late for that ?
Or just try to return it or get rid of it ?
TIA

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Time machine backup files gone and can't create new backup

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