Clean install of Win7 won't detect SATA HDD. Drivers updated.

[slimjimi]

I assembled a new computer using:

Windows 7 64bit Pro SP1 OEM System Builder Pack
Gigabyte H77M-D3H
1TB SATA HDD WD Caviar Black
Intel Core i3 2125
DDR3 8GB 1600 Intel Viper
SATA LG Blue Ray DVDRW

Clean install of Windows reveals an error not detecting any drives, does not allow partitioning or formatting. BIOS identifies the drives.

I've attempted installs of updated drivers from the motherboard's website (as well as the CD that came with the motherboard). WD claims not to have any drivers on their website. Still nothing.

What do I do?

 

[gregrocker]

Where did you get the Win7 installer? How do you plan to activate it?

The error is normally a bad installer.

 

[slimjimi]

The installer, you mean the Windows disk? I bought it from Fry's Electronics. Aisle 18.

What do you mean plan on activation? I have to install it first don't I?

 

[gregrocker]

OK, then enter BIOS setup to set to defaults. Then set SATA controller to AHCI to try install, IDE if that fails.

If that fails wipe the HD if not blank, then create a 100gb NTFS Primary partition marked Active from Step 2.2 here: SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation.

If that fails test the HD using WD Data Lifeguard extended CD scan: WD Support / Downloads / SATA & SAS / WD RE2 followed by Disk Check run from installer Command Line accessed by pressing Shift + F10 at first screen after boot.

 

[slimjimi]

Attempted the first option, that failed.

Completed the second option, that yielded the following response:
"Windows cannot be installed to Disk 0 Partition 1."

What would you suggest from here?

 

[slimjimi]

Update!

I read a bit of other posters using UEFI Blue Ray drives able to overcome this by throwing in a DVD drive in lieu of.
This worked for me to get past that point and begin the installation process, but when Windows restarted mid-way through the install, the same error returned.

Is there a boot setting in the BIOS that needs to be changed? It seems as if I boot from the drive I don't encounter this error, but if I boot from the UEFI option I do.

 

[gregrocker]

Check in BIOS setup to see if you have an EFI Boot Disk in the Boot order. If so remove it.

If so also look around for an Legacy BIOS setting to Enable. You want to install to an MBR disk without EFI.