Floppy diskette Seek Failure

Just signed up to post at this forum.  I have a XPS410 that crashed just outside the warranty period.  The initial error showed "Memory Parity error" however, after taking to a friend to "fix it" he told me that there may be a mother board problem  (hard drive is fine).  Before I take it in to be serviced, I thought I would try this forum.  Currently, when I turn on the computer the screen shows:

Performing automatic IDE configuration...

Drive 4: CD-Rom Device

Drive 5: CD-Rom Device

Floppy diskette seek failure

Strike the f1 key etc.

 

I have tried every option available under set up utility (f2 key) including resetting factory default, changing boot sequence and others but nothing works.  I do have a portable Hard Drive that I was thinking I could boot from if I can find where to download a bootable CD.  The discs that came with the computer when I bought  it (including system restore & reboot disk) are with my friend and not available at this time.  Any suggestions on how to proceed before I pay the big bucks at a service center.

 

Thank you.

J