Download a live cd that allows you to configure your hard drive and manage partitions (Like a live linux, partition magic, hiren's boot cd, etc).. Download hiren's boot cd, burn it, enter the bios, make your system boot from cd (before hard drive in "boot sequence" option). Enter hiren's boot cd to the dvd drive of your laptop boot from cd, choose option "disk partition tools", choose "partition magic"... Now you will have to make a new partition and format it using the "NTFS " file system.. When you are ready, you will need to restart.. Try installing win vista now , things should be working ok (about your hard drive I mean)... Contact me for any help..