Hard drive not recognized

We need to know the system model, version of Windows - and whether you're running in UEFI mode or legacy mode.

Laptop is a Dell Inspiron; trying to reload Windows 7.  I've tried switching from legacy to UEFI mode - that takes me pretty much to the same end result...

If you're loading 7, be sure it's an SP1 disc (not an original Windows 7 disc).  Depending on the exact model, you may also need to put the SATA install drivers on a flash drive, pause the install with F6 when indicated, and load the drivers for the  SATA controller from the flash drive in order for the drive to be seen.

Only Windows 7-64 bit supports UEFI mode (32-bit does not) -- and you'll need to do the install from  a GPT-aware flash drive in order to do so in UEFI mode.

If you need more information on the SATA drivers, we'll need the exact system model.

Inspiron 14z (5423, Mid 2012).  Please advice where SATA drivers can be acquired from...

Also, have been able to get farther by having Legacy on: UEFI seems to hang...

I'm getting closer; I'm able to get to a point where machine will look for a driver for the hard drive to load, but haven't found where to point for the correct files.  Machine is an Inspiron 14z (5423, mid 2012).  Please advise where I can find SATA driver for this PC.  [I looked at the existing system, and it's pointing to \Windows\System32\drivers - it tried copying the entire folder, but pointing to this location on my flash drive during reload attempt yields the message that a driver cannot be found].

Help...

You need the Intel rapid storage driver (under SATA):  

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Put these on a flash drive and connect it during the install.