Clean Win7 Install, 0x80070057 error.

[Aioua]

So I ordered all new parts, put it all together, but for the life of me cannot get win7 to install. I get get it all the way to the setup screen, where you pick where you're installing the OS, but at that point if you do the "format" action you'll get this error:

Windows could not format a partition on disk 0. The error occured while preparing the partition selected for installation. Error code: 0x80070057

If instead of formatting you just pick a partition and hit next, it'll stay on 0% of "Copying Windows files" for a few minutes, and then eventually give you the same error.

After I get this error, my drive is no longer recognized, even in BIOS, even after I reset. I have to shut down and restart the computer entirely to get it to be seen again.

Parts:
Mobo - ASUS M4A79XTD EVO
Graphics - GeForce 6800GT
HDD - Seagate Barracuda 160GB 7200.10
DVD ROM - NEC ND-3540A
RAM - Kingson 2x1GB (model KVR1333D3K2/2GR)




Here's the standard list of questions:



Current Operating System, pre-install
Clean install, drives are blank.


Current Hardware

• How many internal hard drives (HD) are connected to your system?

• Are they IDE or SATA?
1 Sata (though I've tried an IDE that was lying around, same problem)

• How many DVD drives are connected to your system?

• Are they IDE or SATA Drives?
1 IDA DVD drive

• Any external HDs used?
No


Windows 7 installation details

• Which build number and version of Windows 7 are you installing?
I don't know where to look this up... >_>

• Are you installing a 32 bit (x86) or 64 bit (x64) OS?
64 but

• Where did you get the ISO file from?
I'm using a legit purchased DVD


Installation Media

• Using a USB memory key?

• From another partition or hard disk?

• From a DVD?
Original DVD

Other

• Any Over Clocking of the RAM, CPU or GPU?
Nope.

 

[Bill2]

Delete all existing partitions, format the disk and create a new partition. Then install.

 

[Aioua]

Delete all existing partitions, format the disk and create a new partition. Then install.

I've tried this, several times. As I said the windows install setup will error out when I try to format, or if I select a partition that's already there, or if I delete the partitions and have it make a new one. I also tried formatting it on a different computer with Partition Wizard, but again, same error.
I just tried last night to have to do a complete wipe with DISKPART (using my new computer). I told it to CLEAN ALL, went to bed, when I got up this morning it said. Diskpart has encountered an error: The device is not connected. I'll be running a complete wipe on another compy now.

EDIT: And now my other compy won't recognize it. The drive spins up and makes horrible clicking noises. Well. Let me go buy another drive.

 

[Aioua]

Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a new drive on Easter?

Anywho, that seemed to be the issue. Sometimes the 3 drives you have lying around are all bad. >_<