Inspirion 8100 and Startup configuration and Contant rebooting

I've had my Dell Inspirion 8100 3 years now and relatively no problems with it.  I reformatted the 30 GB hard drive approximately 5 times and reloaded Windows XP Home edition with SP2.  Today truned the 8100 and the startup configruation started:  Here is what happened.

 

1.  Took me to the safe mode DOS screen stating that windows unexpectedly shutdown and was rebooted.

2.  I didn't remember doing anything abnormal.  So I started in the normal windows  mode and the Windows LOGO came up. 

3.  Then I saw a bluescreen but couldn't read the text and it rebooted and brought me back  safe mode screen again.  I tried all modes but still had the same result. 

4.  I booted up in the DOS MODE but was unable to get to the hard drive.

5.  I have a strong feeling the hard drive is gone. 

 

Any suggestions besides a new hard drive.  

 

Shadow