I need to install osx I have the snow leopard disc but my optical drive doesn't work.

I made the rushed decision to completely scrub my Mac and reinstall the software again. I bought the computer about 4 years ago from a student at my university who was leaving. When I got it lion was installed already. Now I can use the install disc as my optical drive is broken and I can't recover from the internet as it wants the apple I'd from the original person. I can't find an uncorrupted file to USB boot my machine . has anyone got any ideas before I bite the bullet and get my CD drive repaired .

Purchase an external CD/DVD optical drive.
There are cheap ones (under$50) that'll last anywhere from a year to three years or more expensive(over $50 and higher) that will last much longer.
Not all optical drives are Mac compatible.
Most Mac compatible drives you will only find to be purchased online.
Here are two on Amazon.com that are cheap and Mac compatible
http://www.amazon.com/LG-GP10NB20-Portable-External-Drive/dp/B004K2Z4MS/ref=sr_1 _3?ie=UTF8&qid=1398883289&sr=8-3&keywords=Mac+compatible+external+LG+optical+dr i ve
http://www.amazon.com/LG-Electronics-Portable-External-GP40NB40/dp/B009DS6OFU/re f=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1398883289&sr=8-7&keywords=Mac+compatible+external+LG+opti c al+drive
Here's another source for Mac compatible optical drives. These are also tray loading drives
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/VLU2SD24XS/
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/MR3F82SD24S/
Good Luck!

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