General :: Installs Keep Freezing Before They Start - Debian - Linuxmint - Ubuntu

I have been trying to install linux on my HP pavillion 511w for several days. The first I tried to install was debian, it didn't freeze but it kept saying unable to mount cdrom drive. (This may have been from an incorrect jumper setting that I later changed.) I haven't tried debian since changing the jumper.

I next tried ubuntu 10.04 beta 2, all it did was go to a ubuntu flash screen that never stopped cycling these small round "lights".

I then tried the "stable" ubuntu 9.10. This went to a screen with several options for installing ubuntu, checking the disk etc. No matter what I selected it would just freeze. Since this is my first install I wasn't sure if this was normal or not so I waited several hours and still nothing, after enough time I concluded it must have been frozen. But before I continue wasting time waiting for hours can someone tell me... when installing these linux versions is there a sign that it is loading, booting, or installing the OS? I figure it must have a status bar or something, but want to make sure.

I next tried linux mint 8. It did the same thing, went to a sceen with several options and when I select something it says "loading" at the bottom with a blinking cursor, but of course it never loads anything, just sits there. This one throws me off a bit because it says its loading and the cursor blinks but it just doesn't seem like it is actually doing anything.

I have also downloaded ubuntu 8 which I plan to try next. I've tried changing the boot/install options by pushing F6 or whatever it was.

The computer is an older system that I never use because its so slow running XP. I thought linux would run faster and I could get some use out of it while learning/experimenting with linux. I always have to have projects to keep my mind working, but constantly failing at the starting line is not much fun.