Argh... get in the car this morning... no hard disk found (side note... the no hard disk screen flashed for a millisecond and then the screen froze on the custom boot logo). Reinsert... same... repeat ad nauseum.

So i opened 'er up just now at work and it looks like my IDE board connecter has some terribly soldered joints... I'll have to post a picture tonight when i get home. Sucks!

[edit]this is with a new IDE cable, all jumpers and crimps look fine.