Getting Windows XP to Work

I've got a Windows XP boot-disk (legit), but my CD-Drive is so shot that it can't be read! My external disk-drive can see it easily--even autostarts it--when I'm on the computer (not trying to boot from a disk). I've gone into the setup-menu and set the boot-sequence to "onboard or USB disk-drive," but the USB disk-drive is never recognized. What should I do to get the external, USB drive to boot up the system?

Just get another CDR.  They're cheap and continue to be very useful for all manner of stuff that's released on CD.  In fact, get a CDRW since they'll probably be as affordable.

You could also get a DVD burner, they're not much more expensive. It depends on wether the computer is going to be your main workstation or just something to have in backup.

You could also not install Windows XP and use an OS you can install from a USB device instead.

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My other CAR is a CDR!!!