unable to load windows 98

I recently installed an additional hard drive and all worked well, I upgraded the memory to 96mb and attempted to install a cd writer. I could not install this unit, but I had unplugged the ribbon cables to the 2 hard drives and the existing cd rom. I replugged and rechecked the connections numerous times and they are correct. I cannot access windows on start up. I can get into the set up, but that is all I can access. I tried a boot floppy but no help. All I get on start up after the bios information, is a blank screen with a blinking cursor which cannot be accessed. The hard drive continues to run but is not recognizing anything. Help!!

 

Did you change jumpers on hard drives
Are you sure the cables are connected correctly, red stripe to pin1 on the drive, also red stripe to pin1 on mobo

Did you enter bios and reset the ide configuration to either auto detect or manually detect the drives.

 

email from user

I am sending you this message on my laptop as I still cannot use the desktop. I tried what you suggested, changing or reseting the bios to primary from both and then I tried secondary. Neither has an effect on boot up. I am unable to get into windows or the safemode. I checked all connections and the ribbon is connected in the right direction (stripe). It was working fine until I unplugged the ribbon cable and replugged. I even tried a new cable as I felt maybe there was a break in the cable. I installed a memory upgrade before all of this happened, but it came up immediately and indicated the correct memory mb. I could remove the memory chip and go back to the beginning , but I do not see what that will accomplish. I am unable to boot from a floppy which I have, as the floppy drive runs and then stops and then everything comes to an end. I appreciate your prompt response to my original request, and hope that this will clarify so that you may have an answer. I am willing t!
o format the hard drive and reload windows if need be, but I cannnot see how I can do this

I would pull all but the original memory chip and see