ok, thanks for you patience everyone. Here's the update:
Windows begins ot load as before but then gives me the error message. So i downloaded the driver, unpacked it, opened the WINXP folder (I'm using XP Home) and found three files. I put them all onto a floppy and when setup began ot check for my hardware, I inserted it. I hit f6 a moment later and then waited for about 10 seconds and got this screen:
Setup was unable to load support for the mass storage device you specified. Currently, Setup will load support for the following mass storage device(s)
<none>
To specify additional SCSI adapters, CD-ROm drives, or special disk controllers for use with Windows, including those for which you have a device support disk from a mass storage device manufacturer, press S
If you do not have any device support dicks from a mas storage device manufacturer, or do not want to specify additional mass stoarage devices for use with Windows, press Enter
Well, there it is: More Shit. So i decided to press S just to see what happens. Here it is:
The file txtsetup.oem could not be found. Press and key to continue
Pressing any key returns me to the previous error screen.
WTF?!