thank you for the replies.

@flyboy:

i should have clarified that i've tried different controllers/cables -
adjusting the jumpers accordingly using both my hdd as well as my friend's.

yes, i have working dvdrw connected and even subsituting to this controller,
hdd would not be recognised by xp pro.

yes, i have the raid controller enabled since all the other hdd's/dvdrw on
the controller works, admittedly all are <= 120 gb.

@DL

i know what you meant by disk management - cmd that you launch from run...
but i do not know how to use this or how to format using xp. for as long as i
can remember, i have always rely on PM to format ntfs & manipulate my
partitions without problem, again all hdd's <= 120 gb.

i don't think formatting is the problem since:

BIOS recognised the 160 gb and 200 gb hdd as does wxp when i put it in an
external enclosure usb 2.0 but just not internally.

thereofore, i would again appreciate help and advise as to what could be the
problem and solution if there's any.