Ubuntu Install Problem

I was able to get the new drives installed with some difficulties, but they are installed and working.  I was able to download the nearly 700 MB ISO file for Ubuntu and burn it to CD (after two attempts).  I could even boot off of this CD (after some tweaking in the BIOS), but after that I run into problems.  If I select the option to Run/Install Ubuntu or Check CD for Errors, it will start up by initializing a couple files.  After that however I end up with a black screen with a dead cursor (flashes but doesn’t respond to typing) in the upper left corner of the screen.  Is this normal, do I need wait a bit and it will continue the install?  Or, is the ISO I downloaded bad?  I could order a free Ubuntu CD, but it could take up to 10 weeks to get it.  It isn’t that big of a deal if I cain’t get this to work, but I am thinking there is something simple I am missing or need to do.  Suggestions any one?