Windows 7: Hard Drive not recognized in install.

I am trying to install windows 7 on a new 320GB SATA drive in my Compaq V6560 but won't recognise the new drive. The drive works (lights on + can hear it) but on installing it goes so far until 'when do you want to install windows' but the drive isn't listed. My motherboard is a Quanta 30cc & chipset Intel GM965. My current drive is an 80GB one. I'm sure my laptop can handle a 320GB so I assume its a driver problem? However, I have no idea what exactly I'm supposed to download? I have looked on the Inter site and there stuff to download but don't seem to be for 'fresh' installations & just for installing 'over' vista or xp... I dunno tbh. Can anyone help ? Thank you.

Hi there, please boot into BIOS and run a test on hdd just to check if the drive is fine. Its a new HDD still check it. If windows dvd still cant detect the new hdd, just boot into a linux live cd, open disk utility and format the hard drive with ntfs partiton. Then windows shall detecxt your new hdd.

can't do anything in bios as there's no advanced tab to check it recognised it, although there is a check disk option or something (also another to check memory) but there's no disk to check. so i guess from that bios doesn't recognise the drive. will formatting via linux actually work though?

it should work. Try ubuntu or linuxmint live cd.

If the HD doesn't' register in BIOS, then check the connections, use another cable, read manual or setup sheet to make sure you have correctly completed HD install.

When it registers in BIOS, if it still doesn't show up on "Where do you want to install Windows" screen during booted install, you may need to load SATA controller drivers at "Load Drivers" link in bottom corner of that screen. Unzip to stick, browse until driver is picked up.

Getting the actual driver is the problem I'm having. Not sure what to download.

The BIOS should recognize it in any case, formatted or not. There may be a problem with the connections. If you cannot see it in the BIOS, it is most likely a physical hardware problem.

LOL - Greg is always faster than me.

You saying a new sata drive .. Is it the same fitting and model as the old one ???

its a new hard drive yeah. replacing the old 80gb sata with a new 320gb sata. when the new one is in the hd light flickers like normal & i can hear it spinning away. all connections etc look ok.

is this ok to try PCLinuxOS LXDE ? or can you provide a link for the live cd if this isn't correct thanks.