linux 7.3 installation frustrations

hello
i have tried (in vain) to install linux 7.3 on a new laptop (compaq
presario 900) ... the installation begins and gets to checking partition
... i used partation magic to section off 10Gs for the system ... and
then the next line says " hda: " with a flashing curser ... at this
point the installation stops ... after some time the screen goes black
.... no input has worked at this flashing curser as of yet .... any
ideas ..... suggestions ..... comments ... helpful comments ... thanks
for any help you can offer .... jeff