Empty folders when downloading

I uploaded a lot of files to Skydrive several days ago.  My older laptop crashed.  I purchased an external drive to upload files.  All the folders and the contents were available in Skydrive.  After, purchasing a new laptop, I began downloading my files to the new one.  I then moved the files from my Skydrive folder to My Documents folder.  Today, I logged on to do some work and all of my folders were empty.  Documents and files that were not in folders, remain.  What happened to ALL of my work?  I have a backup for most of the work, but all other items recently created are no longer available.  I located many of my documents in the Recycle bin within Skydrive; however, I did not Recycle anything in Skydrive.  I selected all and clicked "Restore."  ~ no luck.  I received a message at first to Keep both - yes.  Nothing added.  I tried again, and now I receive the message that:  Items may have been deleted, or I do not have permission...... I am the owner.  What's happening?  Please help me to restore my documents.  So disgusted!  Not new to this type of technology.