My MacBook Pro mid-2010 won't recognize new hard drive
I'm not sure if this will work for you since you've got an error on boot, but if your OLD drive can get into recovery mode, I did a pretty extensive write up on swapping hard drives here: How do i install OS X on new hard drive? I have macbook pro mid 2010.

If it doesn't, based on my research, you'll need another Mac to create a bootable install from a USB device of at least 8 GB. 

This question is really old, but just in case someone runs across it, I figured I'd put in my $.02. In addition sometimes this problem may occur due to the HDD cable itself failing a Apple known problem with this model. In which case a new cable usually allows communication with the HDD to work internally as it should. While many Hdd refused to work internally they booted externally just fine.  These cables run $30 to $60 depending on where you buy.