most probabaly ur hard disk partitions are converted into dynamic this happens when u trys to do more than 5 primary partitions
always u have to do 4 primary partitions and then any one of the four we can make into another four parts called extended partitions (this is a bit tricky) and if u have already four partitions u shouls shrink some space in windows and dont create new volume , the unallocated space can be seen when u boot through linux live cd and u can install the distro on it , and in this process u dont have any tensions . for u now i think u may have to format all the hard disk and install windows again then try the above options . u may have the recovery disks given by the vendor , and as u said new laptop so u dont need to bother about data . try it , and by the way check any other options if u can -- l...@iitd - http://tinyurl.com/ycueutm
