i just changed my old laptop's drive with a new wd 1600 beve (ide) and it doesn't show up in bios or windows installation. i've tried with jumper or without which didn't work. i've tried the old disk which was working a couple of hours ago but now doesn't show up too. there is a bios upgrade but i don't know how to install it without a drive! any other ideas? help!!!

The fact that the old drive doesn't show up is not a good sign. Is it possible you damaged something when removing it? Did you unplug the power cord & remove the battery before messing with the drives?

yes i took care of everything... i tried again though and the old disk works. i also noticed a pin "extension" on the old disk (it seemed a bit longer) which i put on the new one and thankfully windows installation sees it now! i guess i'm ok now!

Interesting...never heard of that before. Glad you figured it out.