Vista fails to log off, install updates.

Run Driver Verifier for 24 hrs, it will slow down your computer but is a good way to find the offending driver.
Use computer normally or try to run programs to stress different drivers.

Is it an Intel or AMD CPU?

Is this the Laptop?

M-2624u Notebook Specifications

can't find a link at Gateway for the Storage Controller Drivers.
Doing a search...

Was the new hard drive a SATA or IDE/PATA interface?

Don't much like the lack of information with this method, but you can try it.
If it's the wrong driver it shouldn't install, make a System Restore point first.

Go to: Gateway Drivers Download Center
use: Choice 3: Enter the product name or number directly
Enter: Gateway M-2624U AMD SATA
It should come back with: We have found the driver for Gateway M-2624U AMD SATA ,
Click on it or the 'Get Drivers!' button.

Those types of OEM utilities make me very nervous.

I'll look for another option...

Just read your other thread.

Is the laptop still running hot?
This will cause issues and possible damage to the CPU.
You need to disassemble down to the CPU cooler, remove it, clean with isopropyl alcohol, apply new thermal paste and reassemble.

From your msinfo, it has/had Intel SATA drivers installed - disabled, these won't work.
MS SATA driver msachi - disabled, this should work.
nVidia nForce RAID driver - disabled, maybe? the one needed.
pciide - Boot - Yes, this may indicate it's in IDE mode and not SATA AHCI mode.

Go to the BIOS and check for the IDE/AHCI/RAID mode, see which one is selected.
Your post #20 indicates IDE mode.

Post a new msinfo32 file.

Check you CPU temps with CoreTemp.
Core Temp , check the CPU temps when at idle, under load and/or testing.
Let us know the minimum and maximum temps you get.