Trouble installing new programs

After four problematic instalation trys of windows vista, it finally worked.
Low and behold, everything that was on my computer is now gone. I now have to
re-install everything including things like AOL and printer info. My
pictures, videos, and music all are GONE!

Now when I insert a cd to install a new program, nothing happens! Tryed
typing in install or setup, but the computer just serches for files with
those names. I even changed a couple of setting on vista so that its suppose
to just automatically run, and that still dosnt work.

Please someone help me!!!!! Im sure its an easy fix, but Im getting nervous
and I need step by step instructions so I can do this the right way.