Can't change boot order - Inspiron 5100

[Tangent]

I'm trying to reload XP on a Dell Inspiron 5100 for a co-worker but I can't get into the BIOS to change the boot order to start with the CD. The boot screen says to press F2, but it completely ignores that key, no matter how frantically I tap it. Even holding it down, then hitting the power button does absolutely nothing. Apparently the F12 key is also good for changing the boot order, but the only response I can get from it is that it'll beep at me if I hold F12 down and then power up, otherwise nothing.

Any suggestions for getting this damned thing to boot from the CD?

 

[Charlie Hustle]

better question is can you get into BIOS at all??
The reason why i am asking is because you might need to update the bios firmware, and that might solve the problem. Whats the specs and how old is this laptop?

 

[Tangent]

Nope, couldn't get into BIOS at all. I ended up removing SP2 so I could use their XP disc and starting the reinstall from in windows. Ended up with the same result in the end, but it still irks me that I couldn't get it to boot from the CD. This was a couple year old machine, a P4 2.4.