MAC OS X Panther Problem

OK, I wanted to re-install MAC OS X Panther so I inserted Disk 1 into the CD drive, went to system prefrences and set the startup disk to be MAC OS X Panther Disk 1. However, When I restart my computer it does not load the install screen. I have waited up to 10 minutes and the install screen never came up. I am almost positive that if I take the disc out and clean it a little it will work. However, I can not open the CD drive at this point. Is it possible to open the CD drive or change the startup disk?

Note: The farthest I get is to the grayish screen with the apple logo in the middle and the loading circle below it.

Thanks.

first hold down the power button til it turns back off. then hold down the letter "c" and start it up. keep holding down the c-key until the installer shows up.

if it doesnt show up after 5 minutes, try getting the disk out.

on slot loading drives - notebooks, iMacs and eMacs
take a paper clip, and bend it straight. then insert it along the right side of the drive, and feel for a button. you should go more than an inch in. you will feel the resistance when you find it.

on tray loading - Powermacs, G4 iMac, older iBooks
theres a push button (that again is easier to reach with a straightened paper clip) that is there for when the face plate is for PCs to release. if that doesnt work, power off, and gently pull holding the front 2 corners of the drive. (notice the word: gently)

an easier option to get it out is to power on and hit option+command+o+f to get to the firmware, then type eject cd and then hit enter.