hard drive failure

I purchase a used computer about a year ago and the hard drive has failed I purchased a new hard drive but I cannot install it because I don't have the Windows XP pro product key although I have the original disk. Am I screwed or is there any way to install Windows on the new drive? :major

 

Are you absolutely positive that the drive cannot be accessed? Have you tried unplugging and replugging the connections both at the drive and the motherboard? there is a freezer trick to getting a drive to work for a short time. If you can get the drive running you can use Magical jelly bean key finder to look for the key on the old drive. Also if the ide ribbon or sata connector is bad it can act like the drive is shot when its not.

 

Yes, It is a mechanical failure. The drive makes rattling noises and will not run to start the OS. I have tried the freezer trick with no luck. Any suggestions?

 

Pull the computer apart to be sure there is no sticker on sides, bottom or inside with the windows serial number on it.
If you were given the XP Pro CD, I would think that the serial sticker would be psted somewhere on the computer.