OK there is no way that upset the recovery. Didn't HP reassure you that a bios update won't do that? If the tattoo really has gone as a result of this bios flash then HP are responsible since you downloaded their recommended update and should fix it for free!

The tattoo only comes into play when you change the motherboard.

Assurance that these are the correct recovery disks may be not enough

What is the EXACT error message you get?

And yah, the americans are congratulating their ancestors and many tomorrow will be praying to the porcelain god