http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/linux/create-a-bootable-ubuntu-usb-flash-drive-the-easy-way/
I used the procedure in yoyodyne’s second link, and it went off without a hitch.
Another option would be a USB external CD/DVD drive.
Booting from USB is the best alt way. faster than cd/dvd too!
If your BIOS doesn’t let you do that, there are a million other ways including: from windows (plus meddling with loadlin) or from a network.
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation#Installation%20without%20a%20CD
For possibly useful info: if you’re ever trying to get a really old computer boot from some device it was never designed to boot (such as USB, or CD for some older machines), there’s a nifty little utility called Plop Boot Manager that will add the required functionality.
$78. Not too horrible.
Unless you install it and find it’s really the controller that’s at fault.
Is it spinning up the disc at all?
If the drive is removable (they usually are), it might be worth taking it out and putting it back in - to reseat the connectors.
Also worth checking all the way through the BIOS to see if there isn’t some setting somewhere that’s disabled the drive (perhaps to conserver power).