both the pio and udma settings were at auto anyway, i tried installing win98 but it came back with an error message (which i can't remember atm) which meant either there were too many truetype fonts..? two of the memory boards weren't of the same speed/type (which they are) or the mobo's faulty, so thanks for yer help, as fruitless as it might have been

Try installing using only one RAM module at a time (have it in Slot 1)

Also, remove any unnecessary components first, like internal modem, soundcard etc etc
You need only processor, RAN, hard drive and CD drive to install Windows, and if it's successful with a 'barebones' system, then you can add other components one by one to locate the source of the problem.

tried it with one memory stick in, same problem, same suwin error, and the only hardware not part of the mobo itself is the graphics card (i've tried it with a different one, same conclusion

I'm afraid you'll have to provide the full text of any error messages you receive, including the codes in them.

the motherboard went back and i got a replacement, worked first time