Lightroom: Unable to read card or import pics on a Mac

I have an i5 Mac and LR3. I have been using them for a few months now with no issues as at all. As of this past week I have been unable to upload/import any pics at all from my SD cards. Either from the built in SD slot on the side, or my card reader into the usb slot in the back. I have been reading posts for the past 2-3 hours and have not come across a solution. Becoming increasingly aware that I will not be able to read them all.
All 6 of my SD cards are now full and my editing time frame is becoming overwhelming. I am in need of some serious help. Given how much complaining I have come across in the past 2-3 hours I would hope that Adobe would have come up with a step by step set of instructions by now to troubleshoot these problems. Is there a 'Light' at the end of the tunnel. (sorry, I couldn't help that one.) :-p
Ok guys, I loved this product until the ungliness reared it's head.. Can you help a guy out?