Can’t install anything on Linux box

I’ve installed RH Linux 7.1 on my ThinkPad T22. The installation was completely successful. However whenever I try to install a program (ie. WordPerfect, StarOffice, LimeWire, etc.) the CPU maxes out and the install never completes. I’ve tried to install as root, as an ordinary user, and init level 1. The results are the same. I’ve tried a complete reinstall of RH 7.1 but the results are the same. Any ideas??

Thanks,
Dave