Can't restore or reinstall Mac OS 10.5 on my 15" MacBook Pro

My Macbook Pro starts up with a ? on the screen. I've tried the solutions listed in the Support communities on apple.com but continue to have problems.
I've tried to restore the drive from time machine backups but when the Select a Destination screen comes up my hard drive is not listed to restore to. 
I also tried to reinstall from the reinstall software but get this same empty screen for both options.  Can anyone help?  I've been working on this for days to no avail.

Try booting from the Mac OS X Install DVD. Turn on the computer, hold down Option, and then insert the DVD and wait for it to appear in the menu. Select it to boot from it.
Just before you are prompted to install Mac OS X, go to the menu bar and click Utilities > Disk Utility. If your hard drive does not show up, it is probably dead and you need to replace it.
I had the same problem. I made a reservation at the Genius Bar and the guy showed me how to replace the drive myself because I didn't want to pay $150 for them to do it when I could just do it myself for $60. Of course, if you have a warranty or AppleCare package you are covered.
Take it to the Apple Store no matter what, it could be another problem for all I know. They won't charge you unless you want them to fix it and you don't need a warranty or AppleCare to make an appointment.
http://apple.com/retail/geniusbar

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