I have a reply to some of your answers, but I think the issue is with the 48 bit addressing.
2. How did you partition your drives?
I dont. They are only for mp3-Ape.
*You will still need a primary partition for the full 160 GB, it may be this way already, we can check later.
3. How did you format your drives?
From 'my computer ' format to NTSF' NOt quick
"enable compression ' NOT check
*This is fine.
5. Does your post screen show the correct size drives?
Not sure what ' post screen' is ,si i cannot answer you.
*The post screen is the first screen (text) that you see when you boot, it will list your video card, memory and harddrives.
6. Does Windows show the correct size drives?
Yes- going in
my computer', each drive shows as the right side.
*This could mean that Windows is reading the drive correctly, but can not address all blocks on the harddrive.
Concerning the software , as you say , i do not need it.
When installing Windows 2000 i do need the floppy for the ATA133 card - that i use for other drives , if i am not wrong.
*If you were just using the harddrives connected to your PC (without the cards that came with your drives ( IDE PCI cards) you would not need the floppy software, but since you are using the cards, Windows needs the drivers from the floppy to install the cards.
I did search concerning the 48 bits LBA mode.
Microsoft has a patch for XP SP1 and 2000 SP2.
Look like the 48 bits is not set by default.
But i run SP3.
Or do i have to understand that my install disc having Windows 2000 SP2 on it ,i have to use the patch and after upgrade to SP3?
*Sounds like you have the patch, but need to check if it is enabled and enable if needed.
Here is a link I found...
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=305098 Now ,a question : do anyone having 160-200-250 drives had fill them past the 137 mark?
I had for months my Maxtor 160 running fine ...until i past the 137 mark.
*I am running Windows XP Pro with two 160GB drives in mirror and am close to 148GB.... running fine and I guess with Windows XP, I never needed to worry about the 48bit addressing.
*Good luck and let me know if you need help in your registry, someone could create you reg hack.