It's been a while since I have done an Ubuntu install but 1.5 x your RAM should be fine.  Ie. 2 gig ram = 3 gig swap file.

From memory you should have a /home EXT3 partition (which is a bit like a Windows 'documents and settings' folder - the advantage being you can do upgrades and changes without losing your settings.  It is not necessary but that was how I was told to do it.), a EXT3 partition for all the rest of your files and a EXT3 swap partition.  When you run the live disk, and start the install, the partitioning software will give you the option to do this along the way.  I did it manually which allows you to set the partitions.  I think you only need 1or 2gig for the /home partition and 3gig (in your case) for the swap partition.  The rest will be your main partition.

Try http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/index.php and http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/2622/how-to_dual-boot_ubuntu for more help.

When I did it I only had one drive and formated it then created a 50% NTFS partion and left the rest raw.  Then I installed windows on the NTFS partition.  After that I ran the Ubuntu live CD and proceeded with the install on the remaining 50% that I left raw, using the partitioning software during the install, to format that partition as I outlined above (/home, swap, and main - all EXT3).

I am sorry if I seem a bit vague on this but, like I said, it's been a while!  If you have tried all that has been pointed out in this thread and still have no joy I would probably just wait for the fresh CD, that you mentioned, to arrive and try again.

Good Luck!

Al