Problem with (old) hard drive

I need to transfer files from my old hard drive to my new Vista computer, but
my old computer died.

I've installed the old drive as a slave into new computer, BUT my files on
the old drive are password protected. I can transfer everything else from the
drive but not my files. Is there a way to remove the password from the old
drive???

Please help, I have paperwork piling up AND I have to run my company payroll
before Tuesday