Lenovo 3000 N200 problems

[squareyes]

Hi all,
just acquired a Lenovo 3000 N200 very cheap, shop had lost box  software 
etc, all I got was laptop and charger.
Am trying to install Ubuntu 7.04, and gets to message

/bin/sh: can't access tty; job control turned off
(initramfs)
This machine had a password(and Vista installed I would like to distance 
myself from) I which I do not know, shop assistant had no clues at all, 
but very cheap, have reset passwords in Bios, but no luck.
Have tried to install Win XP, and loads till a message no hard drive 
installed...

Would anyone have any ideas as to what I am doing wrong,

Many thanks in advance,
Take Care
Winton