BG> I found a copy of Mac OS 9, but after 8 tries (literally!!) I cannot
 BG> get the
 BG> computer to boot to the CD.

 BG> I turn off the machine, wait about 45 seconds, then hold down the 'C'
 BG> key while
 BG> it boots, but it ALWAYS boots to OS X 10.5.8.

 BG> Suggestions?

MacOS 9 and earlier isn't supported on the G4/G5 models of any Mac. You
can, however, install OS X 10.4.11 and run MacOS 9 in Classic mode under OS
X.  Works pretty great as far as I can remember, been a couple of years
since I used it. 

--- NiKom v2.1.1