Hardware Test Error Message - Mass Storage Error code ata 1/6/8 HD: 2,0

Question

I have an imac 15" flat Panel, 700 MHz . after getting the flashing question mark, running or trying to run all the standard tests, (pram, Software Restore, disk repair, reinstall, kernel repairs) I never see the hard drive or volume. I saw it was a maxtor HD with 0 bytes at one point.
I now ran the Apple Hardware Test think I lost the Hard Drive...this is the feed back:
Airport- Passed
Logic Board - Passed
Mass Storage - Error Detected
Memory - Has Not been Run yet
Modem - Device Found
Video RAM - Has not been run yet
Error Code ata 1/6/8 HD: 2,0
Could anyone help me diagnose the issue? I think I can replace the HArd Drive myself, if I knew this was the problem and what I need to buy to replace.
Thanks,

Answer 1

I have a different take to a brody having replaced my hard disk and opened my iMac G4 up several times. Many people find that Apple Authorized Service Providers tend to give extortionate quotes for such repairs. Feel free to get a quote yourself. I'll provide the same advice I've given to many many other Apple Discussions users who have successfully replaced their hard disk themselves. 
The iMac uses a standard desktop PC hard drive. It is 3.5" wide and in the iMac G4 uses the IDE connection. The iMac 700MHz 15" has an ATA66 bus so can use ATA66, ATA100 or ATA133 drives but not ATA33 or SATA. You should buy a 7,200rpm drive with a cache of 8Mb or higher as this also increases the speed over the original 5,400rpm drive installed so you should get a performance increase.
Here is a list of suitable hard drives.
It's pretty fiddly to work inside an iMac G4 so you must be very cautious. Always take anti-static precautions. Here are three options for guiding you through the procedure:
MacWorld
xlr8yourmac
Service Manuals
I've also taken a fair few photos which you can find here.
I'd advise reading the reports on the xlr8yourmac's drive database so get other people's experiences first.
You must replace the Thermal Paste when you close the iMac up or it will overheat.
It's probably worth replacing the PRAM Battery whilst you're in there as these have a finite life (once they fail to re-charge you may start to run in to snags - it's only a $5 part).
The hard disk should be set to Master (link).
Some iMac G4 700MHz users have reported that they are unable to address hard drives larger that 128GB, there is an application called SpeedTools that can be used to overcome this addressing limitation.
You might also give consideration to installing a 512MB PC133 DIMM or an 18x DVD±RW Dual Layer burner whilst you do this update; both of which will have to be removed during the process.
You must be very careful around the video connector in the iMac; it really is very fragile. In fact there is no need to touch it at all in my experience.
It is possible that the ATA controller on the iMac's logic board has failed rather than the hard disk. Given the cost of the logic-board it would not be cost-effective for an iMac G4 700MHz.
Let us know how you get on.
mrtotes