[quote="xaviers2002"]
: also, the 'auto' setting in my bios has always worked correctly before, with LBA enabled. the only other setting i have in the bios is 'auto, disabled, cdrom', so i have no choice.

Did You clik "ENTER" when You scroll between "AUTO CDROM DISABLE"? If not You have to do this after You see "AUTO".
yes i did... auto is the only setting where it detects the hdd at all