If not using a Dell disk then the SATA drivers will need to be loaded at the F6 command.

download THIS DRIVER. Run it to extract the files. Since you do not probably have a floppy you will need to slipstream them into the disk.

After you get the OS installed you need to follow the Instructins HERE on the correct order on reloading drivers.

On other thing is to boot into the bios. Check the SATA setting make sure it is set to Autodetect/ATA and not AHCI.

The full list of drivers for the Inspiron 1520 is:

• Dell™ Notebook System Software
• Intel® Mobile Chipset Driver
• Mobile Intel® GMA X3100 Video Controller
• Ricoh® Media Card Reader Driver
• Intel Flash Cache Logic Chip (Intel Turbo Memory)
• Broadcom® 440X 10/100 Integrated Network Controller
• Wireless driver (if applicable)
• IDT® STAC 9205 Audio Driver
• MDC driver
• Dell Touch Pad Driver
• Bluetooth® driver and stack

Make sure to install the Notebook System Software first.

If you are using the Dell OS reinstallation, as Dave says, you shouldn't need to load a SATA driver at the F6 prompt during Windows Setup.