ok i checked my bios settings and my sata was in ide mode, i was able to install vista through windows, but i usually like to install it from the boot disk through dos. anyways the one i installed via windows xp was the 32 bit version. i now have the 64 bit version and want to try runin that since my cpu runs 64 bit. however, i still have the same problem when trying to boot install the disk. the actual message says "please insert cd/dvd drive device drivers" which makes no sense to me since it sees the dvd drive to boot to the disk...my sata drives are in ide mode. so i tried installin the dvd through vista. the only problem is when i put the disk in and im in vista my dvd drive disappears and i cant access the disk. tried loading the iso via power iso and when i tried to run setup it said check my version and that it doesnt match the x86 version. so i dont think my 32 bit vista i have installed now will let me install the 64 bit vista i have now. and i still have no clue on the "cd/dvd drive device driver" error i get when i try to install via dos....im really confused on this one. im almost ready to go back and install xp and then try to run the vista ultimate 64 bit disc in that and see if it works.....any ideas???