Do what I and many others have done...
Since the release of Windows 2000, the boot disks have been a pain...
If you have a friend with Windows 98, have them create a startup disk for you. Make sure to also copy smartdrv.exe from their Windows directory to this floppy. This exercise is pointless if you don't.
Use this disk for booting. Before installing, run smartdrv.exe for faster access to the hard drive.
Hope this helps...
phatphunky