G5 iMac hd install questions

Hello every one!

This is my first ever posting, so be kind. My iMac g5 recently went ka puts, so I started off by replacing my hard drive. The only thing is, is that my DVD drive doesn't work. I tried to use an external drive and it doesn't recognize the drive. I don't have 150 to replace the DVD drive from apple. When I hold down the option key only an refresh arrow pops up and a next arrow. Nothing happens when I hit the next arrow. Hitting the c key does nothing. Any one have any advice?

An iMac G5 is a power PC (PPC) and requires the external optical drive to be firewire to be bootable. Did the internal drive fail after you installed the HDD? if so it is worth cracking open and checking the power leads and nice and tight as they can become loose.

No the drive had been bad for a while never replaced it cause all everyone uses is USB or email. Man, I didn't know they even made external drives fire wire o.o

well...if i were you i would get an external drive off ebay or another comparable source (it would be much less than 150), then attempt to replace it myself, so i could install the OS.

You still might not be able to afford it but OWC has the drive for the iMac G5 for $89 brand new. I recently replaced mine.

For all Apple iMac G5 & Intel iMac Models: SuperDrive Dual-Layer DVD & CD Reader/Writer Upgrade Kit. Up to 8X DVD, 6X DVD-DL (8.5GB), 24X CD Burning Performance | OtherWorldComputing.com

Thanks to all you guys. Turns out the logic board is gone on this. I found out after looking at the board when I opened it. I looked into it and it turns out at one point apple would have replaced it for free, today that is not the case. I guess I'll have to look around or buy a new computer. Thanks again