Hard disk drive not recognized after choosing either repair/install option

[May]

I've been trying to reboot my computer. Upon booting the
IDE is recognized as a primary master, however, it later
tells me "HDD error, run setup". "Bios not installed."

Eventually--after the windows 2000 setup loads all its
files and asks if I want to repair or install--choosing
either option leads to a message about hard disk drive not
recognized--internal error--no swap file detected. Is my
HDD dead?

Similar thing happens when swapped into another computer,
so I don't think it's the motherboard?

Thanks. M.

 

[Dave Patrick]

You may need to boot the Windows 2000 setup disks or CD-Rom and *F6* very
early and very important (at setup is inspecting your system) in the setup
to prevent drive controller detection, and select S to specify additional
drivers. Then later you'll be prompted to insert the manufacturer supplied
Windows 2000 driver for your ATA controller in drive "A"

If you wait and then S to specify additional drivers, then it may be too
late as Windows 2000 Setup at this point may have already assigned the
resources your drive's controller is wanting to use.