Windows Startup Error - System Recovery Launch Startup Repair

My laptop hasn't been in use for about a few weeks and all of a sudden, I am getting a Windows Error Recovery on Startup. I am given two options: Launch Startup Repair (recommended) and Start Windows Normally. Nothing happens when I try to restart Windows normally -- I only see a black screen. Upon selecting System Recovery, a teal screen pops up with "System Recovery Options" telling me to select a keyboard layout. Then it tells me to select my OS, but it comes up blank, telling me to load drivers for my hard disks. I stopped right there.

I am a little hesitant about using the System Recovery in fear of losing important files. If this is a possibility, I may try to backup my files using an alternate OS, like Ubuntu. Or are my files already long gone? Is this just a restore for important Windows files or a complete restore of Windows back to factory settings?

I have not installed any new software or devices. Running Windows Vista x64.

Definitely try to backup your files before doing anything else.

Try to boot in safe mode. If that works, use a clean boot the find the cause of the problem.
Troubleshoot Application Conflicts by Performing a Clean Startup - Windows 7 Help Forums