trying to upgrade and 4 times this has happened??

Which OS X is currently installed and what OS are you trying to upgrade to?

samanthajw1 wrote:

It's 10.6.8 I'm trying to upgrade to 10:8

To Upgrade to Mountain Lion... Your Mac must be one of the following models:

• iMac (Mid 2007 or newer)
• MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
• MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
• MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
• Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
• Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
• Xserve (Early 2009)

Tech Specs

Mountain Lion > http://www.apple.com/osx/specs/

How to Upgrade to Mountain Lion

Be sure to make a Backup of your Current System Before Upgrading..

samanthajw1 wrote:

Were can I find what model it is? .

Click on the Apple icon.. Top left in Finder...

 > About this Mac > More Info > Model Identifier ... what does it say?

While you're there have a look at the Processor Name too.

samanthajw1 wrote:

macbook5,1

Looks like this Mac cannot run Mountain Lion... See this Discussion...

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4428661?start=0&tstart=0

You could run Lion... but here are some things to consider if you leave Snow Leopard...

With Regard to ML and LION...

Check here for compatibility of 3rd party Software you may be using... Also note that Rosetta is no longer supported in Lion and Mountain Lion...

http://roaringapps.com/apps:table

You should also consider more RAM... Get the Maximum you can for your Mac...

It is important to get the Correct and Matching RAM

See Here > OWC RAM > http://www.macsales.com

The above site also has videos on how to Install RAM should you need it...

samanthajw1 wrote:

ive been reading and it says my macbook is late 2008 ...

Perhaps it is an Early 2008 Model...

That would explain why the App Store is not letting you download it...

Suggest you take it to your Local Apple Store...

Be sure to make an appointment first...