I've tried a number of things: 1) I tried using the utility disk that came with the motherboard to install a SATA AHCI driver (the windows installer allows you to search the computer for drivers that might help it locate your HDD). What's weird is that while the explorer window is open for you to find drivers to install, it can see the HDD exists; clearly it must not see it as a viable drive for installing.
2) I fiddled with the BIOS, switching from IDE to ACHI since the drivers are meant for ACHI, although some quick googling seemed to think this was not the problem.
3) I installed the HDD as an internal drive in my other desktop, which recognises it and allows me to use it as a storage device.
4) Again while installed on my other comp, I formatted it, and checked that it has been partitioned.
5) Again, installed on the other comp, I tried to install windows 7 on it, as I had head it is possible to install a second OS on a second HDD from within your current OS on the primary drive. Again, the Windows 7 installer does not recognise it as a viable location for installation, even though the OS can see it and allow me to store data on it!!
I'm starting to get dangerously close to my wit's end, and I would appreciate any and all help.
If you want to know the specs for the bundle I purchased, see here: http://www.aria.co.u...productId=54934