Start up From Install Disk

I can't start up from my Mac OS X 10.4 install disk. I need to to do some possible disk repairs. When I follow the directions for starting form another disk, I fail to get the DVD as a start-up option. It only shows me the MacHD, which is my computer. One set of directions says hold down the option key, the other says hold down the C key. I've tried both.
Is there something I don't know about that could be interfering with the other start up option.
Rick Kesler

To start up from your OS installer disk 1 insert it in the Mac. When it appears on the desktop restart and hold down the 'c' key. If that fails there may be a problem with the disk or you are using the wrong disk. Until you get a new disk you can do repairs by restarting and holding down the command-s keys until you see the white scrolling text on a black background. Then at the prompt type:
fsck -fy
hit return. If it repairs something do it again until there are no repairs needed. Then type"
reboot mac
hit return

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