When I try to install Ubuntu from CD (i386 iso), it freezes at "Loading hardware drivers." I've tried in safe graphics mode. I've tried with "linux noapic nolapic" added to boot command. I've tried with my USB hardware removed. I'm thinking it's my graphics card, which is an Nvidia FX PCI card. It says kernel panic and CD stops spinning. I've googled and found many with the similar problem but no solution. How could this be? I'm a little worried having a problem already and I haven't even installed.

are you using the desktop cd(the livecd w/ gtk installer) or the regular text installer.
i used to have the same problem on the text installer when it was loading hard drive installer. it worked when i used some of the kernel boot options. so when ubuntu boots (assuming you're using the text installer) look through the boot options and use any that apply to your system. also make sure you're using the newest iso off of the ubuntu website (might have components that aren't supported by ubuntu). for me ubuntu never worked on my systems and am happy with debian right now!!!
good luck

I got 6.0.1 from the website.. its the desktop livecd

How old is the computer you are installing on? I had problems a few versions ago trying to install on an ancient computer from my junior high days (read: late 1990's)

Dell P4 1.8ghz, lots of ram

im not really sure whats wrong but maybe try another distro (unless you want ubuntu alot). i would recommend fedora (a lot like ubuntu and just as or faster) or debian (the base of ubuntu (but a lot more stable for me and up-to-date software).
just a suggestion...

I had the same problem and for about two months I and a few of my friends researched into it... one night, late o'clock, my friend disabled the integrated LAN in BIOS and ever since I've been able to use Ubuntu. I still have to get an ethernet card, but at least the problem was solved.

Hope this helps you out.

I have the same problem here, with kubuntu now, but after installing a couple more distros like suse & mandriva I had the same problem there too.
I tried everything, disabled the acpi and stuff, no luck, it kept freezing at "loading hardware drivers". Finaly i've discovered that if I firstly boot in windows and then reboot again in linux !IT WORKS!!!. I hate to admit it is something really stupid to do but it actually works at my pc which is all brand new.
I'm open to suggestions...

Windows is probably loading up some firmware or doing some fix ups that linux expects from good hardware.
Why don't you try booting Ubuntu in recovery mode to see if it hangs. If it doesn't, you can then change your video driver to something that works for your setup.

When my install needed to load hardwares and hung for "ever" I simply went through removing things from my computer. For my particular case, it was the NVIDIA graphics card, 8700 EVGA, apparently not supported by the ubuntu, kubuntu, mepis installs. Seriously, if you think you have a graphics card that might not be supported, remove it and use the On-Board GC. Worked like a charm after I did that. I keep hoping that once it is completely installed, I will be able to import the drivers and run away home free on high graphics.

Cheers.