Restoring from Disk Image

For some reason, my Macbook Pro is not reading discs upon start-up. I'd like to reinstall OSX, but it won't boot to the install DVD. Is there any way I can create a disk image of the installer DVD, load it onto a firewire drive, and boot from that? Is it legal to create a copy of the disk?

Thanks,

cjcs.

Have tried holding down 'C' upon startup?

Alternately, you can load the disk while running and choose the Install or Restore icon inside the main folder and it will boot itself on startup.

You can also try inserting the disk, re-boot holding down the option key. Should also give you the choice of booting from the disk.

I had already tried both of those methods, and nothing seemed to work.

Sent the unit in today for replacement, thanks for your help.