Mysterious Installation CD behaviors on my latest install

[WetSpot]

Working on a remote install (I'm in one state - machine is in another state). I was able to ssh-in and get the basic installation completed via the latest Gentoo Installation CD. I hosed something in the .config (I think) causing the kernel to panic on 1st boot.

*I think* I got the panic thing fixed... but when the local support attempted to restart the machine to start sshd using the same Min. Install CD, it doesn't boot. It goes from the "hit a key in the next 15-seconds" message to "PRESS A KEY TO REBOOT" message. When you press a key, it cycles back through the '15-seconds' message to the REBOOT message.

They did locate a 2007 x86 boot CD which got us into a network-enabled installation environment. Alas, they could start the ssh daemon, but that environment had no block devices.

I guess my questions are:
1) What's happened/what are they doing (not doing) to not boot into an install environment using the latest CD?
-or-
2)What option can I enable to get the 2007 to see SATA (non-raid) hdd?

I've got plenty of detail to add regarding hw and what we have tried. Anyone responding, just ask for what you want to know.

Thanks in advance for any assistance
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[DONAHUE]

current minimal install cd seems problematic, suggest a system rescue cd instead .
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