Hi:
It doesn't sound good...But if the drive passes muster...
Here is something you can try.
You may be able to recover your files if anything you have done so far hasn't wiped the drive, download this W8 x64 OEM installation ISO file.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0W9PBigPy94aVJWSndyTFNFMzg/edit?pli=1
Then use this tool to transfer the file onto a 4 GB USB flash drive or DVD. The tool will also make the file bootable.
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/html/pbPage.Help_Win7_usbdvd_dwnTool
Now when you go to install Windows, let it install on the C:\ partition and if the operating system is still intact, it will create a Windows.old folder.
After W8 is finished installing, go to the windows.old folder and retrieve any files you want.
Then, once you are sure you got everything, you can delete the windows.old folder by launching the disk cleanup utility and on the lower left side of the disk cleanup window, click on the Cleanup System Files button and after it is done percolating, you will be able to check the windows.old folder and any other files you want to delete.