Hard drive crashed; problems installing OS X tiger - HELP!!!

[rob123]

I am looking for "SICKMACDOC" for a response but if anyone can help plz do.

I am a computer novice. I have a Powerbook G4 DVI Titanium 17" laptop.(older). It would get stuck during boot up. Apple store said my HD crashed and to replace and then re-install os x tiger. Purchased and installed new 160GB HD. Tried to install os x and saw a white screen with apple sign in middle and a swirling circle (like computer is thinking) below the apple sign. It won't go any further - its stuck. This is the same thing the computer did with the old 40GB HD. Was the HD not the problem? Am I supposed to push some other buttons when I insert the os x disc? Is there a different problem to check? I really need help!! I already lost all my important info from the old HD.
Any ideas on what I can try in order to get os x installed and the computer up and running??? Plz help!

 

[hughvane]

Are you holding down the C key when you insert the OS Install disk?

 

[rob123]

I just tried that.....nothing happened.

I held the "C" down when I powered up and held it down for about 3 min and nothing happen. I get the same white screen with the apple sign and the swirling circle below the apple sign.

Any other suggestions?? I need help...