HDD disappeared after fresh XP install

Hi,
I encountered a rather confusing issue today after reinstalling windows on my computer. Here is what happened:

I have 2 HDD in my desktop, an Hitachi and a Maxtor. Both of them are partitioned in 2, which makes a total of 4 partitions.

When I started the Windows XP install, I got no other choice but to install it on the C: drive. The 3 others weren't displayed. I formated the C: drive, and proceeded to the install.
Once the install was over, the 3 other partitions were nowhere to be found. I even checked in Disk Management.

After installing the SP3, I finally got the 2nd partition of my Hitachi (Windows is installed on the 1st) displayed in Disk Management. I reallocated it.

However, no matter what I do, my Maxtor is displayed nowhere... I even looked in the Bios.

There is just one moment, when the computer boots, I get a screen with "Please wait for IDE scan ", and when the scan is over, for just a split second, I can see my Maxtor drive in a line right before it switches to the Windows loading logo... (it's written Maxtor with a number on the right)

I didn't touch anything in the hardware before, while or after the install. I didn't open the computer case, I absolutely did nothing at all but a fresh install of Windows XP.

Also, I'm 150% sure I didn't format my Maxtor drive or delete the partitions.

Any idea on how to fix that mess?
Thanks.

 

No I didn't.
Gonna try this asap.