Hey there, carmelatackett.
If you have another way of transferring the picture, e.g. like connecting the camera directly to the computer with the card still in it - give it a try. Otherwise I'd recommend that you try the card with a different computer and/or card reader, to see if the same thing happens.
You could also try accessing it via Ubuntu Live USB/DVD, to see if it's properly recognized and if you can get to your files.
Another option would be to try data recovery software (without formatting the card): http://pcsupport.about.com/od/filerecovery/tp/free-file-recovery-programs.htm.
Please let me know how everything goes.
Boogieman_WD