Trying to install snow leopard on my Macbook Pro. After already having problems with Grey screen, blinking file with a question mark, etc. Computer now says that one of the hard drives is failing.The "hitachi" drive says it's failing in disc utility.

Question

o.k.  So, I've been tinkering with several "self help" fixes for several days now with no positive results.  I'll explain my initial problems and then end with my most current situation.  In hopes that someone out there will have a good suggestion or possibly remedy for the issues i'm facing
First, my problem started after my wife played a game on my macbook pro and the computer froze.  She went into a panic and decided to shut down via power button.  When computer restarted she got the blinking file/grey screen and that problem continued for a couple of days before I began using steps from various support topics from apple concerning the grey screen/blinking file folder.
Ultimately, yesterday I decided to erase my Macintosh HD file as one tip suggested.  Following the brief online and on screen (via the process) tips that were there.  Once that was completed I attempted to reinstall snow leopard (my most current version on hand) into the pc. 
At first, I thought this would work.  It looked promising.  But, after several hours the installation screen returned with failure.  I attempted to repeat.  And, even repair drives during this try and re-try process.
Now, today, one of the drives..  "hitachi..." states that it's failing and is in red letters with no ability to repair via the disc utility screen.  The Macintosh HD drive shows that it's o.k. But, this drive is listed under the HItachi drive so I think that's where a problem might lay.
So, I guess my question really revolves around.. What if anything can I do to get the hitachi drive back up?  (short of taking it to a repair facility and replacing.) 
And, how on earth can i get my OSX back up to I have a laptop again. 
Operating on a macbook pro here.  It's my lifeline.  Otherwise, I am using a Windows desktop that i'm not that fond of.  lol
I'm trying to bring this 2006 laptop back to life.  Trying to avoid a rather expensive repair or the purchase of a new laptop.  Also expensive...
Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Well, running on a 2006 model.  I did not have a startup disc.  Initially, it booted up on original software in 2006.  Since then, I've upgraded to 10.6 via a box set.  And, since then I think I popped it up to lion. 
All I have on a disc is snow leopard.  And, I can't get farther than the setup screen due to hard drive.  I'm taking to a apple authorized repair store right now.  We'll see what they tell me .  I'm just going to weigh the cost of repair vs. buying new.
Another bad, stupid thing is I had no means of backing up my stuff.  So, I might have lost things like music, vids, etc.  we'll see if they can recover.  If the cost is too much for repair I might just forget it and start over with a new system.  Just not sure at this point.