I think I've ruined my WD buffalo with all my old pics on - HELP

I unplugged my WD drive from my new MacBook Pro before it had properly dismounted. Now, every time I plug it in to my computer (and my older MacBook) it makes them shut down. When not plugged in they both boot up in the normal way. Have I wrecked the drive and have I permanently lost all my old pictures? Any help will be gratefully received! 

Weird :confounded:, do the computers automatically shut down or do they start the shutdown sequence? I would try using another USB cable in your case.