Ok, thank you for confirming that . What i would like you to do is download an XP Boot disk from Bootdisk.Com, copy the files to a floppy disk (if you have one) and use that to boot into the Windows Install. you need to change the boot order again so that the Floppy disk is first.

I've sorted the order now, DVD drive needed the pin changing round from primary to secondary on cable select. I'm afraid i have no floppy discs and the Floppy Disc in the boot order does not exist. I just assumed that it was the CMOS or the ROM?

Ok now that you have sorted the Pin out on the cable, can you try booting from the CD?

Nada. Still nothing. I hit F8 and a blue screen pops up with boot options. I select CD/DVD and hit enter. After that the light on the dvd drive flashes for a second then goes out; and i'm left with the command promt screen with the cursor again.

Can you type on it at all?

Nope

How many CD Rom/DVD Drives do you have?