Initial startup problems

I need help! This is becoming a continuing saga (or comedy of errors?)! I recently assembled what was to be my new and better machine. Here's the facts -- Asus K8V mobo, Athlon 64 3000+, Seagate Barracuda 120GB SATA, 512MB of Ultra memory, Mad Dog 6-in-1 DVD/CD burner, YE Data 7-in-1 floppy (has 4 "small media" slots). Can't get WinXP installed. At this point, I'm not sure the mobo is talking to the HDD or floppy. Can't feel or hear any action in the HDD and, while the 4 aux. slots on the floppy are called out in setup, the floppy itself isn't. (just shows auto detection of 4 mass storage devices/card readers) The HDD is recognized, however. As is the 512MB of memory.
During the POST (and with no CD in the drive) I get a notice that "no drive is attached to the FastTrack controller" and "the BIOS is not installed". But I thought the POST was done from BIOS? If I press <TAB> during POST, to "enter user window", I get the HDD data (model # , connection , and size in GB). After POST, it goes to c:\ prompt. Being new at this, I have no idea what it wants.
If I start with the XP disc in the CD, POST is the same. Then it begins booting from CD ("press any key to boot" etc.) If not pressed, it again goes to c: prompt. If I press F6 when prompted, nothing happens. It simply continues on with loading files. Eventually, it announces that it's "starting Windows". At this point one of 2 things may happen; either I'll get a Stop Error (0X0000006F) or it will continue to point where I'm asked for previous Windows version CD. If I insert W98 it apparently accepts it and prepares for formatting/partitioning. Pressing enter at that point brings up Stop Error (0X0000008E). What little hair I have left is being torn out trying to get this thing to shape up! I really hope someone can give me some assistance. I need it bad! Merry Christmas gang, and thanks for any help.