Cannot install ANY new hardware

[Guest]

Recently tried to install new second harddrive to my machine.
Received an error in the Hardware update wizard,Pop-up says:Cannot Install
tihs Hardware.
There was a problem installing this hardware:
WDC WD1200JD-22HBC0 An error occurred during the installation of the device.
The specified service does not exist as an installed service.
Additionally after I attempted to connect my digital camera to my PC.
I received the same message (except the specified device was obviously
different).
Something is preventing windows form correctly installing/loading any new
device drivers.
I figure I could re-install windows to correct the problem, but I really
don't want to go through that hassle.
I've tried all the obvious things checking for a virus, updating windows,
updating my motherboard chipset.

Both the harddrive and the digital camera show up in device manager with a
yellow exclamation mark over them.

Anyone know what is preventing me from loading drivers for ANY new hardware

 

[Guest]

still no luck. huh?

i would load the motherboard drivers on the new hard drive.

 

[Guest]

here is a fix for you!
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/823774/en-us

 

[Guest]

I'd already tried the motherboard drivers.

I fixed my problem by backing everything up. Re-loading XP and restoing all
my data. What a pain, but it fixed the problem.

I firmly believe that a system DLL and/or the registry had become corrupted.