Solid hdd light, disk 100% highest active time, very slow

No the hdd did not spin down

It only works when on high performance and plugged in, if it's not plugged in or if I change the plan that's when I get issues.

Can you upload your msinfo32.nfo file? To get this: Start Menu -> Type msinfo32 into the Search programs and files box -> When it opens, go to File, Save -> Save as msinfo32.nfo and save in a place you will remember -> Let it finish the process of gathering and saving the system info -> Right click the .nfo file, click send to compressed (zipped) folder -> Upload the .zip file here.

Done

Problem Devices:

Code:

Photosmart Premium C309g-m	ROOT\MULTIFUNCTION\0000	This device is disabled.
Photosmart C7200 series	ROOT\MULTIFUNCTION\0001	This device is disabled.
Photosmart Premium C309g-m	ROOT\IMAGE\0000	This device is disabled.
Base System Device	PCI\VEN_197B&DEV_2382&SUBSYS_361B103C&REV_00\4&20EB178D&0&01E4	This device is disabled.
Base System Device	PCI\VEN_197B&DEV_2383&SUBSYS_361B103C&REV_00\4&20EB178D&0&03E4	This device is disabled.
Base System Device	PCI\VEN_197B&DEV_2384&SUBSYS_361B103C&REV_00\4&20EB178D&0&04E4	This device is disabled.

The disabled base system devices appear to be hard disk controller devices... I would think this could be detrimental to how the hard disk operates in Windows. Was this intentional?

Sorta kinda, they were coming up as the little yellow triangles and windows said it couldn't find drivers for them.

Looks like J Micron JMB38X SD/MMC Host Controller, probably for SD or Memory cards. The Vista driver is here: Download HP JMB38X MS,SD,SD/MMC,xD Host Controller Driver 1.00.17.07 Rev.B Driver for Windows XP / Windows Vista - Softpedia

Once it's installed Windows update may have a newer driver for it. It tends to give SD and MMC's a low priority in installer and initial Windows Updates.

Hardware Identification

I installed the driver and now the devices are installed, but I still have the HDD light issue. If you really think a super-clean installation will solve the issue I can try it once I'm done with finals, but I need my laptop for the next couple of weeks.

A super clean install will likely resolve the problems. Let us know when you have a chance to do so.

I am a student, so I understand the need to wait. Work at whatever pace necessary for you to still have access to your computer. :)

Just to make sure before I do this, there aren't any super-mega-advanced power settings that I could try fiddling with?

If memory serves, you already tried all the known power configuration changes for hard disks. I do not believe there are any left to try.