thanks in advance for any response on this issue...
Here is the issue / spec's.
Trying to install one of the following... cannot boot into LinuxMINT 6 rc1, ubuntu 8.10, or opensuse 11 on a the PC. Specs on box are: P7N SLI Platinum Series MOBO, (2) WD500GB SATA (non-raid), DVDRW SATA, (2) 8600GT video cards, with 4GB 800DDR2 RAM. Windows XP currently installed on SDA. BIOS setup to boot from DVD / CD first. Whenever I try ANY of the abovementioned CD's / DVD's, the system posts a process of I/O error's in dev SR0 resulting in SATA link down statements. I've tried different media / speeds for burning to DVD / CD with no success. Also tried USB install of MINT, the partitions could not be written to. Windows XP experienced no issues with the hardware during install or use. It was my intent to establish SDB as Linux only. I have heard of issues regarding the sata controller for the MSI board in question, has anyone experienced a situation like this? Thanks again.

please list your hardware setup .... im guessing a mobo chipset driver issue