UPDATE:
Well, I have pretty much ascertained that the problem is with the controller.
I forgot I had a PartitionMagic rescue disk which does weird and wonderful things from a floppy. There are no errors on the drive so the next thing, I suppose is to find a PCI card which will have internal sockets to take my SATA cable.... I am sure it will be cheaper than a new mobo....
Thanks guys for looking and commenting....
