Vista windows recovery error startup loop

I have vista 32bit basic edition.  I recently tried turning on my computer at the windows error recovery screen came up. It gives the options to start normally or run the diagnostic utility.  Regardless of which option I choose it returns to the error recovery screen. I have tried pushing f8 to start in safe mode but it won't. The only options are f2 or f12. I do not have the windows vista reinstallation cd.  I have looked at the forums all over the internet and haven't been able to find one relevant to my issue. Any help would be appreciated. I have got some feedback from friends that there is nothing that can be done and I will need to reinstall the entire OS. THANKS