contacts disappeared and now device won't show up in iTunes

[Mama V]

Hi everyone--thank you in advance for any responses.

I have had my iPhone 4S for just over 2 years now, and last night my contacts suddenly and randomly disappeared. I searched online for solutions and found that I could restore via iCloud, but when I looked on my phone, I noticed to my dismay that it says "iCloud Backup is off." (I'm not savvy at all about these things).

So, I plugged my phone into the mac, hoping to find my contacts there, and now my phone does not show up in iTunes either. It is not on the top right bar or the side bar where I can usually see it and click on it.

I'm so confused and a little nervous! Can anyone help me?

Thank you!

 

[Ledsteplin]

When you have the toggle for iCloud back up turned off, then it will not do a back up unless you tap "Back Up Now" at the bottom. Are Contacts turned on in iCloud? Are contacts turned on in Mail,Contacts, Calendar? If Contacts are turned on everywhere, then try a hard reset. Hold the top power/sleep button and the home button at the same time until the Apple logo appears, then release. Let us know if that works!