Thinkpad T43 Laptop can't install Harddrive

[evonna_21]

I have a Thinkpad T43 which I'm trying to install Windows 7 Pro. The harddrive I have is a Toshiba MK 4026GAX which is ide. I keep getting the error "no drives were found click load driver to provide a mass storage Install a driver." So, I did a test on the drive and it passed. IS it possible the drive could still be defective.

Secondly, to further investigate I plugged the harddrive into a working working via usb which it was detected on the other computer. Also, my boyfriend has a computer so I tried to install it in that laptop which in this case the harddrive was seen but I received the error "Setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an existing system partition"

Do I need to load drivers for the harddrive to work. I'm confused about what to do. So far I've tried this video fix. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAtMZotuDhM.
Then I tried this fix as well where you press shift and f10. None of these solutions have helped. I'm at a loss at what to do at this point.

Moderator edit: Moved thread (from very oddly being posted the Marketplace?!?) to this, the appropriate forum.

[Neil]

Well, there are no hard drive "drivers", and Windows install media should take care of the partitioning and formatting, so I guess the only question left is; are you inserting the drive with the label facing down? Oh! Another question...is your T43 at 14" or 15" model? If it's a 15 incher, maybe the drive is not being fully seated in it's socket.

[evonna_21]

It's a 14'' and installed face down. I thought maybe the drive was bad so I ran a diagnostic on it which it passed and I connected it to another computer via usb which the harddrive was seen. Is it possible the drive is still defective.

[ZaZ]

You could try a Linux disc. It'll run off the CD driver, but should be able to see the drive if it's working. If you've got another drive you can use to test in the T43, that'd be a good option too.

[evonna_21]

I ran another test which it said there were no bad sectors and the test said it failed.

[RealBlackStuff]

Remove first the palmrest, then the wifi card.
Underneath where the card was, is a big Intel chip, the Southbridge.
Insert your HD, then put some pressure on that Intel chip (try a different corner if it does not work first time).
Now try to boot.
If it now works, you have a bad motherboard.

[evonna_21]

Thank you for this tip. I tried to touch the southbridge chip which was hot but still I couldn't boot up with a known good harddrive. I never thought to think the motherboard was bad. I will replace it. Thank you all for your help.