Okay, I have a bit of a problem. When I start up the computer, the only way for me to boot from the CD is to press F12 when a logo plays for the motherboard I currently use. Unfortunately when I do so, I open up the 'boot menu' successfully but I can't do anything from there. It shows up, but pressing up, down, enter, or any key won't do anything. Its like my keyboard hasn't turned on yet (it lights up when on, in this situation its off, and it normally turns on when vista starts up) This problem similarly happens when I have to turn off my computer unexpectedly (i used to have overheating issues) And then a message pops up saying 'your comp was shut down unexpectedly' and gives me options for safe mode and such. already highlighted is the 'run normally', and it automatically is chosen in 30 seconds. I built the computer myself, so mabye that has something to do with this all. Is there another way to format the hard drive without the CD? or how can I get the keyboard working before vista starts up?
Obviously the keyboard must be functioning though; pressing f12 successfully takes me to the boot menu.