General Problem - Win XP refuses to install

Here are the details -

Computer: 900Mhz handyme down, new 80Gig Drive, clean 256 MB RAM (has been tested), 2 CD drives

The Situation: I am given this box and told to make it go! Alright, so first thing is to get a fresh install of Win XP going on it. But this seems to be insurmountably difficult.

The partitioning and formating of the new 80 gig drive goes smoothly enough. Then Win XP goes ahead and starts installing basic files, and then it tells me that it is time to reboot. Okay, lets reboot!

Reboot is cool, expect for when the install CD kicks in it seems to have "forgotten" that it has already installed the first step and asks me where to install this installation of win xp. So i go ahead with it, and it installs basic files, and then reboots, and then asks me where to install win xp, and then........ ad infinitum!!!

What i have tried: it was the same deal with the boxes old HD (now replaced), tested and checked the RAM, disconnected ancillary sound card, screamed at it, hit it with hammers, tried 3 different win xp install CD's, and ALL to the same effect.

Any suggestions out there?