..jeaninew415:
With the early (white/black) 2008 poly encased MacBook4.1 13-inch model and slightly newer poly 2008 white MacBook(s); those two have older macOS 10.7.5 listed as Last Supported (Lion.) Both use same model ID, MacBook4.1.
While the Aluminum Late 2008 is a different13-inch MacBook5.1 and other useful identifiers too.
This model could be upgraded to El Capitan 10.11.6, and has newer hardware, etc.
An Apple Authorized Service Provider may be able to help, for a fee; while an Apple Store Genius may or may not be able to. The former should be more available, as independent business; the later has online resources too, that can be useful.
• Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple
https://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/
• Apple - Find Locations (sales, service/support; retail and AASP, etc)
https://locate.apple.com/
The older white/black poly cased build model examples, could start and be wiped from their original or similar vintage optical systems media installer DVDs. The later Aluminum Late 2008 MacBook5.1 may use internet recovery(?) as that partition could exist; and may be in the Firmware. Those shipped with an earlier system on install/restore discs nonetheless.
• MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008)
specs (from Mactracker database app)
OVERVIEW
Introduced October 2008 Discontinued June 2009
Model Identifier MacBook5,1
Model Number A1278 EMC 2254
Order Number MB466LL/A (2.0 GHz), or MB467LL/A (2.4 GHz)
Software (on disc media ~ as shipped)
Original OS Mac OS X 10.5.5 (9F2088, 9F2114, 9F2533)
Later OS Mac OS X 10.5.6 (9G2133) ~ [Even Later Snow Leopard 10.6.x]
Maximum OS OS X 10.11.6 (15G31)
AirDrop Supported Hardware Test AHT 3A147
As this detail may not help, should your original disc have wandered off and got lost over time, the idea is worth knowing.
And I have no answers to that one. [My older MacBook1.1 and slightly newer MacBook Pro9.1; both 13-inch, are working.]
Everymac.com has their 'ultimate mac lookup' that likely has bits of detailed info.