fatal error with cfdisk

I have the latest version of damn small linux. Without being root, cfdisk can't open the partition table. Trying results in a fatal error. If I am root, I can see the partition table. So with root, I repartitioned according to hard drive installation instructions, but when I run the hd install something weird happens and it just quits with no explanation. Then when I try to boot I get "error loading operating system". Any suggestions? thanks in advance.

if you are trying to install damnsmalllinux please make sure that you install lilo or grub, or add the dsl installation to eiter lilo or grub, or you will not be able to boot.