Can't boot from cd. Getting question mark

Hello,
I recently bought a new mac and I wanted to securely erase my old ibook G4 (OS 10.4.11). I tried c at startup to boot from the install disk (10.4.2) and I got the apple icon which suddenly shifted down and to the right after a few seconds and then no response. I tried option at startup and selected the install disk but then got the do not enter sign (circle with slash). I tried t at startup using my wife's ibook and it said the disk could not unmount. I finally tried target mode again with an older emac running panther and I started securely erasing but the power got cut accidentally. When I tried booting from the cd again, I would get a kernel panic. I tried target mode again with my wife's iBook and did a secure erase for about 5 passes. Now when I try to boot from the cd to reinstall OS 10.4, I only get the question mark folder flashing but I hear the cd drive spinning indefinitely. I've already tried reseting the pram, nvram and pmu. When I hold down option at startup, I don't even get the cd to select from. Help!!! (And thanks for your help)

Hmm, on my iBook, there's a sticker with information about processor speed (ie 1.07 GHz), hard drive size (30GB) and some other hardware. Looks like yours doesn't have this!
You mentioned another iBook in your original post--are you certain the disc you're using isn't for this other machine? Are both sets of discs accounted for? If so, have you tried the others just to see if they work?
~Lyssa

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This question was solved.
View Solution.

What is the installed operating system?
Did you make a recovery disk set?
Did you happen to make a Windows 8.1 startup disk or USB recovery thumbdrive?
Have you tested the hard disk?
Press the power button and then immediately tap the Esc key. In the Startup menu, choose F2 for Diagnostics. In the HP Basic System Diagnostics menu choose hard disk. Run the test and post the results here.
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The image below is what will be seen in the BIOS of your PC in the security tab --> . In the secure boot configuration options do not clear the secure boot keys! Those keys are your operating system license activation keys.
****Please click on Accept As Solution if a suggestion solves your problem. It helps others facing the same problem to find a solution easily****
2015 Microsoft MVP - Windows Experience Consumer

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http://www.macmaps.com/directoryfaq.html
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Message was edited by: a brody

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Message was edited by: Csound1

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Please read this whole message before doing anything.
This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
The purpose of this exercise is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party system modifications that load automatically at startup or login. Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. The instructions provided by Apple are as follows:
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Can't boot from cd. Getting question mark

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