I've now tried stripping out the Ubuntu partiions (using the Ubuntu installer) and then installing Kubuntu, I am getting a lot of USB error messages, e.g. "device descriptor read/64, error -71"
I do have a USB multicard reader (built into one of these coolermaster fan controllers) and a powered USB hub - could these be the problem - it's going to be a nightmare disconnecting either of these!
I also have USB legacy support disabled to get around the problem with nF4 chipsets and Maxtor Plus10 drives.
Do I need to change any BIOS options to make the system Linux bootable?