Try using the Quick Format option. I've problems like this before.

JS

"Malcy" wrote in message
...
I am adding a second SATA drive to my system. Both are Maxtors connected to
the motherboard.

I have reinstalled XP and replaced the HDD's cable, it is recognised as
Drive D, and formats from the XP safe Mode command line, windows and
Paragond
Hard Disk Manager v6.0, however right at the end when (presumably) it is
building the sectors a message appears that it is unable to format the
drive.

Any ideas? I have run out of ideas.
Thanks