Computer can't find harddrive

[computerstu]

I bought a used (Nexar) computer with a removeable hard drive. When I got the computer, the cables to the back of the HD was unhooked. There is a cable inside the computer with the correct 'plug' (actually 2 plugs, one in the middle of the ribbonlike cable, and one at the end) that I've tried hooking up to the back of the HD, but the computer isn't seeing the drive. I do have the power hooked up to the drive, and the green light on the front of it is on.

I've tried to boot from my Windows CD, which loads a number of files, gets to the point of 'loading Windows', then seems to stall. It sticks on this screen and there appears to be no further activity at the CD drive.

 

[ronster667]

so its a ide cable, if its ribon like, do you have the top of it hooked in like the end of the cable not the hook halfway in the middle?

the top one is master
middle is slave

umm
if that doesnt work try a differnt power plug
if that doesnt work you might have a f'ed harddrive

 

[computerstu]

I wanna say I tried both the middle and end connector, with the same result. I'll make sure its on the end, and also try a different power plug.

What's the cost of a cheap replacement HD, if that is the issue?

I wish I'd never bought this computer in the first place. I just need a simple used computer that I can load windows on, and nothing else. I'm close to scrapping it and looking for another.