can't install to disk, turn on disk controller in BIOS

Layback Bear said:

If you haven't tried this already it very well might help.
AHCI : Enable in Windows 7 / Vista

thank you for the help Layback Bear!

problem is... now i can't boot into windows at all, i.e. having no way of doing this within windows.

Is your HD detected in BIOS? Look nearby for SATA controller settings, or any other settings, and report back.

Reset BIOS to defaults. Set HD first to boot, boot into installer using one-Time BIOS Boot Menu key at boot. What happens?

If it fails, test your HD using the maker's HD Diagnostics CD burned to disk using WIndows Image Burner or ImgBurn. If it doesn't detect the HD, try it in another machine to make sure disk is sound. If it works elsewhere, replace your HD cables and if necessary HD.

Where did you get the Win7 ISO and how did you burn or write it?