gee what could be the problem when installing windows . . . Windows usually
what controller item is it on? does the board have a completly different controller you can put it on? did you test on "IDE" modes which might be more compatable? (just to test, not that you would want to install that way)
one thing is windows DOES write a first block thing (installation), but the lack of recognition in the bios is usually a sign that you dont have communications to the hard drives controller anymore , different kinds of failure could lock up during recognitions.
first always make sure you fully power off (even unplug) so any "hardware" can fully "reset", Test again.
switch to wires that you know worked on something, and make sure they are pushed ALL the way in. Test Again. There have been reports of people having non-locking cables come loose.
then test on any other controller for first recognition (bios usuallly) ,
Does the drive SPIN? after it spins does it seem to do its one head move thing ? depending on the drive this is a few clicks as if the head unlocks and does a quick check or something?
slight possibilities that bad or weak power from a PSU.
high possibilities when your overclocking certain items on a motherboard, that would be the chipset voltages, and Buss speeds (PCI type mostly), plus major memory issues could cause such problems. generally when bios is on default it would be rare, but it does happen that a bios default setting might not be the best setting. Doing a memtest might be something you could do easily
Fair possibility Conflict with another driver item, causing the other controller issues , which could result in the controller not working , or not working properly.
occurance, when some Driver was installed, for POS controller, via winders, but that particular instance would not effect bios recognition.
good to DISABLE things in the bios not in use at least temporarily for testing , like unused ports , say floppy, serial, and parelle, other unused controllers. And WHILE there you often have to understand what is on and off, and you might spot something.
just trying to talk it out even if you already have most of that covered.