CDROM and Windows 98 Reload

I am not sure if this is a CD issue or not, but when I addressed it as a Windows issue on another board, I was chastised for addressing a hardware issue there.  SO I assume that I have a CDROM issue as well.

On my Inspiron 3000, I attempted to reload Windows 98, as suggested by an acquaintance.  The problem was that I had two 98 disks which had not been used in some time and only 1 Product Key. 

After choosing a disk, I soon found out that it was the wrong one for the product key that I had.  So I am now stuck with a partially loaded 98 and I cannot proceed from this point.

If I try to simply startup my computer with the correct 98 disk in it, I cannot proceed because the OS is looking for the product key from the other disk - which I do not have.

So if I try to use my Startup floppy disk, one of the first options is whether I want to load it with or without CDROM support.  If I chose "with", it rejects, I assume because I have in my floppy drive and not my CDROM drive.

Either way, when I load the Startup, if I pull the floppy drive and replace it with the CDROM, I cannot access the CDROM drive.

Also, if I simply go into safe mode upon booting up the computer, there is no D: drive, or CDROM drive.

Have I lost my CDROM driver?  Or is this supposed to be this way? How can I get around this?

If the respondent knows the full process for resolving this issue, I would appreciate it here.

Obviously, my goal is to reload the correct Windows 98 - the one which was on my computer before and for which I have the Product Code for.

Thank you.