Did some more reading up on sda vs hda and found that hardrive lettering designation has more to do with the kernel used than anything else. The newer kernels like what you used for gparted live iso use the sda designation even on ide pata type drives. While older kernels like what DSL has usually has, although you haven't stated which DSL version you burned, uses the hda designation lettering. Like I stated earlier, I just build custom Harleys, I'm not a techy by any means, Look at these links to see what I am talking about.

linux sda vs hda ?
Which kernel config option shows hda as sda? - LinuxQuestions.org
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/97274

ArchWiki :: Persistent block device naming - ArchWiki