What are the stat's on your laptop? What version of Windows XP are you trying to install?

If it's Windows XP v1.0, then it was made before a lot of connections (i.e. SATA and PCI-e) were invented (Maybe this isn't true for connections on laptops, but I'm assuming it is). Service pack 2 introduced most of those drivers. If you don't have or want to buy a new disk, you can make a pre-updated installation CD though something called slipstreaming:

Slipstreaming

Also, you may have to look up the type of motherboard in there and see if the manufacturer's website has any drivers for XP installation.