Can't erase hard drive on my PowerBook G4 when using the Installer CD

Hi,
I am trying to erase the hard drive on my old Powerbook G4 so that I can donate it. I followed the instructions by booting up the laptop using the Installer CD. Every time I select my hard drive in the Erase window and click the Erase button, it just checks the volumes and then it dims and nothing else happens.
After multiple failed attempts to erase the HD, I decided to quit the install CD and simply remove the HD altogether. I pressed the "Option" key in order to avoid starting up from the CD, but it is not working. I am unable to return to my original settings. All I see now is an arrow on the right hand side of the blue screen and a circle with an arrow on the left side. Pressing the arrow does not result in anything.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

Thanks for responding.
Yes, I tried everything yesterday. It only allowed me to verify the disk and not do any repairs. This computer has some major issues so I am not surprised. Since it was destined for recycling anyway, I decided not to waste any more time on it, so I removed the hard disk instead and am about to ship it off.

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