Mars Express sent out a radio signal to the probe in the hope that it would respond.
No-one has heard from Beagle 2 since December 25, when it was set to land on the red planet.
Stunning images
Meanwhile, a probe successfully sent to the planet by a US-led team is continuing to beam stunning images back to Earth.
Even though Wednesday's attempt failed, there are further opportunities to contact Beagle 2 later in the month, but most people's hopes are fading fast.