Windows 7: New Custom Build -- "No drives were found"

hello, i have just assembled a new computer, and i am attempting to perform a custom install of windows 7. however, i am getting an error message saying that no drives were found. i have a brand new seagate 7200.12, which shows up in the bios and will pass tests in SeaTools. i am at a loss, so any help would be appreciated.

Are you installing x86 or x64? Are you using upgrade media, or a full retail version? Are you supplying SATA/RAID drivers when asked during the installation? Are you using the SATA2 or GSATA2 connector for your drive? Have you selected RAID or AHCI in the BIOS?

If both drives are new and unformatted, perhaps you need to enter BIOS and set the PC to boot from your DVD drive. No new out of the box unformatted HDD will show up until you format it after booting from the DVD.

Please keep us updated on your progress!

I'm pretty sure the OP booted from the DVD and he successfully started the install process, only to receive an error that no drives were found.

i am installing the 64 bit version, the upgrade version. i am trying to supply the drivers, but nothing seems to work. i'm using the SATA2 connector, and i have tried AHCI SATA mode and AHCI eSATA ctrl mode (no idea what AHCI is, just trying different stuff). i've gone to gigabyte's website and downloaded drivers and burnt it to a cd...doesn't work.
i've switched the eSATA ctrl mode back to IDE and i'm trying it again, but this installation program is taking forever; seriously 15-20 minutes every time just to get to the 'no drives were found' screen. what the hell?

What size is your hard drive? If over 1.2TB, then the install won't work and you will need to create a partition.

Regards
UKMedia

Which drivers are you trying to use? If you are using the Intel SATA2, you'll need to use the P55 drivers, so you have to download the Intel SATA drivers from the website. Also, have you reviewed the manual? The manual lists the correct BIOS settings for the Intel SATA2 connectors.

I built a pc with a 2 terabyte SATA hard drive and installed Windows7 on it no problems.I partioned the drive later.Dont know why your having issues.I did nothing to my bios either.

JCP:

Since you have more than 1 PC I suggest that you DL GParted and try to partition the HDD with it prior to installation.

GParterd (Gnome Partition Editor) is free open source sw. It DL's as an iso file and once burned to CD is a live CD... boot straight from it and see if you create and format partitions.

You havent told us if you are new to building PCs, so I'm being simple and basic here... I learned a great trouble-shooting method known as the KISS method years ago,
KISS=Keep It Simple Stupid!

You should probably use AHCI SATA mode... eSATA is for externel SATA... also just trying to help, are you sure you have both the data and power cables plugged into both drives? Also you didnt accidentally plug HDDs into SATA spot on mobo?

yes, the HDD is is plugged in the SATA port on the motherboard. should it not be?

btw it's a 1tb hdd, and i've tried the drivers on gigabyte's website, but to no avail.