use UBCD i think itll work under linux as well. Im not really sure how it works but im trying to make a multiboot USB stick so i can install windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, Server 2008 and Server 2012 from 1 USB stick
I got to use RMPrepUSB and Grub4Dos. Dont know how it will work for linux though you will have to go through the RMPrepUSB (
www.rmprepusb.com) forums and also go through
www.reboot.pro forums.
I know its not much but its a start. You are pretty lucky considering ive just found this stuff out like last week.
On a side note is your HDD completely dead as in its not starting up anymore. If it does start up or spin up. Please explain to me in exact detail of how the HDD sounds and what it does exactly because it will tell me exactly whats wrong and if it can be revived with a simple solution (or a hard one depending on its state) Ive been able to repair a few.