[*SOLVED*]Debian 10 install - drives not detected

[stumpt]

New ACER Aspire XC-885. Windows starts ok.
The bios confirm 1TB drive fitted on SATA port 1. Plus a 13GB Intel Mempek on NVME Port 1
Bios show Optane volume info:
SATA 0.1, WDC 932 GB
PCIe , Intel Mempek 13GB

At partition phase, no drives detected. This using USB ISO image, also DVD.
The onboard SATA mode can be set in the BIOS to 'RST with optane' (default), or to "AHCI"; both settings result in no drives detected.

What to do?

[stumpt]

I forgot to mention that when the CSM mode (legacy) in the bios is enabled, the bios flag the 1TB drive as 'incompatible' at boot up, and continuing with install also results in no drives detected.

[Head_on_a_Stick]

Are the drives recognised from the live environment? If so then try the Calamares installer instead.

[stumpt]

Shameful solution: the desktop unit was under evaluation, and after further frustration was returned to the online vendor for a refund.