(I assume you use Windows as OS)

You might be using an old version of DOS. Try getting a new one, from any Win98 or higher.

I like to use delpart.exe also, and then fdisk to re-partition. (look for it on google.com)

It doesn't sound like a hardware problem.

Let us know how it goes...

BTW, you will not need to buy a new comp, only a new HD if everything goes wrong, lol.