Partition Problem?

I am trying to install windows xp on a seperate hard drive partition, so i can back up my large files, and all my cd's that i ripped to mp3.. which would be a pain in teh butt to do again if i my ipod got corrupted and lose all the mp3 on my computer, I also want xp on it, just incase something goes wrong with the format/installation. But on to the problem. I tried installing it with my windows xp disc, and it reboots teh computer and gets ready to install it then i get this fatal error with some babble, and tells me to run chkdsk /f , so that tells me im assuming its lookin at the F drive, which would be the drive I want the installation to go to. So i run the chkdsk on it, and it says nothing is wrong.. So now im stuck cuz i cant' get past that point of the installation. I even tried out desperation to get it install on my main C:\, but it gives me the same error any suggestions would be useful thanks.

Dan