What about engineered prefinished floating hardwoods? Very cost effective for the result you get.

We've also seen some amazing painted concrete floors posted on Hometalk - try searching posts for painted concrete or painted floors. Our Hometalk paint experts might have some suggestions for removing the adhesive.

it is actually what they called black cut back glue. it does look like tar.not sure on removal..

I know a lot of people here are critical of laminate floors (including myself at times), but they are an inexpensive option that works really well over concrete. They won't last a lifetime, but they are fairly durable and tough, and look really nice.

Jamie, where is the floor. Basement or grade level slab? Reason being there are several concerns about the materials that you would use for one and the other. Moisture is the issue at hand. So is comfort as well.

Also knowing what the room is also helpful as there are many types of flooring options but many have a special use and what works well in one area may become a disaster in another. ...»

There are adhesive removers specific to the type of glue. Check with a professional supplier of flooring products in your area for suggestions and chemical strippers. Don't cut the products and use them at their suggested density. Nothing is perfect. We have used Bean-e-Do which is soy bean based and a Green product. Not cheap, but you will be amazed at the power of a soy bean !

Plank vinyl...its free floating like a laminate and pretty diy friendly.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/s...

This comes in wood versions as well as tile versions

Laminate or the plank vinyl that KMS suggested should be good, inexpensive options for this application. Good luck.

for a really inexpensive idea, I've been considering a brown-bag (paper) floor-here are two website/tutorials- http://tatertotsandjello.com/2011/03/guest-...; and http://www.curbly.com/users/diy-maven/posts/...