unable to access system restore

hi all
i recently upgraded my advent 7108 notebook to an evaluation version of vista, but decided that its not for me yet (maybe when the bugs are sorted ).
unfortunately i didn't create any backup disks because there is a recovery partition on the Harddrive, but now i can't access it because the MBR has been overwritten (i fouind out afterwards).
I've tried reinstalling XP media edition but have none of the drivers, i'm hoping that someone has the same model and could help me or perhaps someone knows how i can change, or access the MBR.

many thanks

matt

not sure if this is the right area