Windows XP loading problem

Hi,
I've just finished building a new pc.
Spec:
Gigabyte GA-EP43-S3L Mobo
Hitachi E7K1000 HDD (Sata)
2Gb Ram
Intel E7400
Lite-on DVD writer LH-20A1S

I've tried to load XP after checking the BIOS settings. On checking the 'CMOS set up utility' I noticed that the HDD was configured on the "IDE channel 0 slave". I would have expected it to be a "master" not "slave" config.
On trying to load XP it stopped after a few seconds and told me to restart because of an error, which I did. After restart, it simply sat there there with no disk activity at all.
On the screen I have the following:
"PCI Devices listing"
Several lines of data
and finally
"Verifying DMI Pool Data"
At this point it hangs...

Question
Is there a specific Sata connection on the Mobo I should connect the HDD Sata cable into?

I've connected the sata cable provided with the Gigabyte mobo which has the L-shaped connector into the HDD as instructed. There doesn't appear to be any other info on Sata/mobo connections in the manual.

If it's not the connections then any help you can give me as to what the problem is would be gratefully received.

Many thanks in anticipation.

Quincy