OK, well the "Defaults Loaded" message will be a result of the CMOS reset. It will most likely mean a pointless process changing your CD-ROM to 1st available boot device, because as soon as you receive that message, you know that those settings would have reverted back to their defaults, which is most likely Floppy, HDD, CD-ROM if memory serves.

The ASUS boards are normally very good boards, and I have the same board in my system as we speak. One question though. You said you have to reset the CMOS, otherwise you don't get a picture. Does the PC still start, do you get the usual beep when you start your PC?

What operating system are you trying to load?

Is this a full install disk or an upgrade disk?

Did you set first boot in BIOS to CD/DVD rom put in operating disk to install windows then hit F10 to save and exit?

If you disable the hard drive then you cannot install windows?