Hi, I would suggest you try installing from the alternate installer cd (or make its bootable usb drive). ubuntu's alternate installer installs everything that the regular installer provides but the installation itself is in text mode.
You should be able to install ubuntu though the driver ossue may still persist. You might be able to install proprietary drivers once you have ubuntu installed on your system. Sharad -- Mailing list guidelines and other related articles: http://lug-iitd.org/Footer
