Erasing my powerbook

I am trying to erase the hard drive on my 1.5 Ghz PB G4. This is something I've done in the past for simple reformats and I have never had a problem. However, for some reason now, I can't access the [security options] button in disk utility. (it is greyed out). therefore, cannot even begin the erasing process... has anyone ever seen this? ...

Does this happen even if you boot from the DVD by holding down the C key?

yes, unfortunately... i've tried a DVD and a CD version of the OS disk... might there be something screwy with my permissions. (although i tried repairing them already).?

I think I've got it... When I started from the DVD , it brought up an error saying "this software cannot be installed on this computer", (i'm no sure how that's possible), but nevertheless i hadn't realized that you can access disk utility from that screen... now all seems right. Thanks.

Probably it said that because the OS X version on your disk — until it's erased — is a later version than on the DVD.

Welcome to Mac-Forums, theclowning.

Could it be that you are trying to use an OS install from another Mac? Each OS install disk that came with a Mac is model specific meaning you cannot use, for instance, the Mac OS X Tiger install disk that came with an iMac to install Tiger on your PowerBook.