Need to install Snow Leopard--seems complicated.  Can I pay Apple store to do it?

While I'm mostly a right brain  type (writer), I can still do a lot of semi-geeky on my Mac Book Pro and even recently figured out how to rescue my mother's iMac from the "death screen" by using some keyboard shortcuts after unplugging all her cords. (After that feat of techno-heroism I was immediately written back into her will.)
Having said THAT, for some reason, the idea of installing a new operating system myself freaks me out.  I have this fear that my 4-year-old MacBook Pro is going to crash, or something almost as bad will happen. (Yes, of course, I would back it up first.)
Every "guide" I read about installing Snow Leopard starts out simple, then it starts to look complicated.  "If you want this, then don't do this..." If you don't want this, then do this..." etc.
Also, I may not even be able to do it anyway as my DVD drive doesn't work anymore. Won't I need that to work anyway--or a tech person for that matter--in order to be able to install the installtion disc? 
OR WILL I NEED TO GET THE DRIVE FIXED FIRST?  DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW MUCH THAT WILL COST TO GET THIS FIXED?
At this point, I would be willing to pay someone $50 to do it (a pro of course).  Can I pay an Apple store tech person to install it for me? At the same time they can run a diagnostic and maybe figure out a way for me to remove duplicate files and all that junk that I have filling up up my hard drive.
I need to do this ASAP because I am limited in my speed in selling on eBay (I also sell vintage and designer clothes) because I can't bulk list upload, etc.
Please, can someone help?  Would an Apple store do this for me if I paid them?  I would have more peace of mind if they did it.
Thanks!

After posting my concern/question, especially in regards to the optical drive, I read this on this forum:
Jul 11, 2011 5:21 AM      
I would like to update my macbook pro from Tiger to Snow Leopard, but my optical drive is not working. Can I take my macbook pro into the apple store and have them install it via a portable drive?
MacBook Pro, Optical drive is no longer working
Another poster replied, "Yes, I believe they will."
Is this true? Can someone verify this?  Any idea of cost?  I really don't need my optical drive.  Besides, end of year, I'm getting a new Mack Book Pro.

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