I have the same problem.
On laptop the instalation was OK.
On desktop I have the same trouble as you.
Rule 1: don't trust in CD came with the printer. Mine is not good.
I downloaded the kit from HP site.
Here is the way I installed the HP3180 on my desktop computer:
I pluged the HP3180 USB cable before start the installation. The OS (XP) recognize the device. (you must have the proper USB2 driver for your motherboard). Start the installation and when the software ask you for USB cable move the USB cable from the curent port to another (hope you have another free USB port). This way the installation was finished OK. The bad news is that I tried to install the produsct software and it start to install once again the drivers and this time fails.
Let me know if someone find the secret of this installation.