Can't get past gray screen with progress indicator... Help

I can't turn on my Macbook. It starts but won't go past the gray screen with the progress indicator (spinning circle).
I have tried:
1. turning off, removing battery, holding start for 5+ seconds, replacing battery and then turning on.
2. Holding command + option + R + P while staring up, waited for 3+ chimes.
3. holding Shift down while starting up
none of these things are working.
I've been on hold with apple service/support for almost an hour now.
I have an assignment on the computer that is due by midnight.
HELP!
I'm not very computer savvy and this is my first mac.
Any ideas folks??
Thanks.
Macbook Mac OS X (10.4.7)

You've done all the standard procedures. If you have any peripherals attached, disconnect them.
This describes resetting the PMU:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303319
Did you have the AC disconnected when you did it? I don't have any other ideas.
These are the startup key options:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303124
Edit: If you have the install disc stuck in it anyway, can you get the hardware test to work? (Reboot while pressing the D key.)

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