Integration of nForce SataRaid drivers

[Fernando]

Neither nvatabus nor the serial ata controller show up in setupapi.log. Given that I can install and run Windows without RAID, and now this new information, this doesn't appear to be a hardware issue to me.

When the XP hardware detection doesn't find a proper working device (for example one of your Raid controllers), it would not install any drivers, even not the S-ATA ones. I still suppose, that a hardware issue is the reason for all troubles.
Another idea: It might be possible, that your tests by building and deleting the Raid array, installing an OS onto the Raid array and then onto a single S-ATA drive gave you a corrupt MBR or a corrupt data structure of your Raid array.
My suggestions:
1. Check your disks by using the checkdisk utility.
2. Before you create a new Raid array, you should low format both hdd's!