Guys, if the person's asking for help installing Windows, fucking help him or say nothing. Honestly, there are lots of reasons for using Windows over Linux. Like say... gaming, ease of use, easy networking with other Windows PCs in the house. Honestly, this Linux and Mac elitism on the internet is getting annoying. There are reasons for using Windows. Windows XP is not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. The only time Windows crashes on me now are either when an application fucks up (which isn't the OS's fault, its the fault of the fucker who programed it), or when I fuck around too much with Windows.
Try Nliting the CD with the SATA drivers (http://www.nliteos.com), or buying an external USB Floppy Drive.
Honestly though, I think your problem is that you bought an HP. I've had nothing but problems with HPs whenever I've used them.