OK I am a complete idiot when it comes to Ubuntu but I have a drive from a Windows XP Pro machine that crashed (big surprise) however I need to recover some data on it. It has a Unknown Partition in Windows so I was directed to get this so I could copy the files I need however I don't see the driver under system computer. So I was told I may have to mount it and I have no clue on what to do Its a USB external laptop drive if that helps PLEASE HELP

Is your Ubuntu running from booted to a live CD disk, or do you have it fully installed with a XP or Vista dual boot ? When you are in a Linux such as Ubuntu, look for places on the main programs menu which lists all the available other partitions as; "media". Then find your Windows XP you want to mount, and right click it to select mount. You may also need to give your self mounting permissions, and install the ntfs-config tool, which allows to select full write support for ntfs drives. You use the built in package manager, (may be called; add remove software) to search for that ntfs tool to install it.

Here are a couple of ways:

sudo nano -w /etc/groups
append your user id to the plugdev line
save/quit - logout/login again.
connect the usb device.

OR:
usermod -G plugdev -a <youruserid>
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System Menu -> Administration -> Users and Groups
Unlock Button
Click your account, then properties button
User Privilages Tab - add the needful