Just wanted to thank you for all your support, I finally managed to get everything working on the qubide and sd adapter.
Thanks for testing it for me, you were correct that the sd adapter I was using was faulty. Returned it and purchased another one from Amazon and it worked perfectly

If anyone is interested I bought this one http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003 ... ge_o01_s00 (SD CARD (secure digital) to IDE adapter : 40 Pin FEMALE - SINGLE CARD by ADAPTER WORLD)
Have a happy christmas and a great new year all !
Vincent