OK, so I am very much new to Linux, and I have been trying for a few days to install Ubuntu alongside WindowsXP. 

I have tried both bootable USB and a Live System disc. Both start and run as live systems, but when I click my language and then click continue to install, the cursor just sits and spins. I know that OS installs can sometimes take a while, but 6+ hours is a little ridiculous.

So far, here's what I have done:

* I have already partitioned the hard drive with 70GB of space while in Windows.
* I have tried installing while connected to the internet and without
it. Nothing seems to work.
* I have also tried Ubuntu 13.10, 13.04, and 12.04.3 LTS.
* And, just for the fun of it, I even tried Zorin OS 7.1 just to see if
it might work.

Same results with the never ending spinning cursor... I would really appreciate any help!