Windows 8 USB install hangs at splash screen?

I'm attempting to install Windows 8 x64 on my laptop, the MSI GT725 although it keeps hanging at the initial splash screen. Looking around the internet seems to point towards it having an issue finding drivers for my laptop - as that the available manufacturer drivers were originally for Vista and not Windows 7 which are "incompatible" (just what I've seen written a couple of times). Is there any way around this or am I stuck with Windows 7?

No way to just "upgrade" instead of a fresh install?

I can try, have to reinstall Windows 7 first because it got corrupted or something and wouldn't boot - will see if the compatibility program can find any issues.