Disk Not Readable - Initialize - WD My Passport Ultra

I have a MacBook Pro with my wd my passport external drive. I have files on my drive that’s been working fine but recently when I plugged it into my Mac a message pops up saying the disk you inserted was not readable by this computer. It’s also giving me the option to initialize the drive but I don’t want to lose the files on the hard drive. The drive also makes the clicking sound and the power light does appear when plugged in.

I’ve read that initializing the disk will erase all data on the drive. Is there a way to retrieve the files on it without initializing it or should I initialize it and then use a date recovery software to retrieve the files.

Thank you so much!

In my opinion you should try using a free data recovery software on your troubled external drive first. If your drive is detected by the software then launch scan and recover files. Hope this helps.