Q: Boot Camp failure installing windows??

Hi all, I have been trying to install windows for few days now with no success.

I have a Macbook Pro (Uni) 17" with OS X 10.6.8 and boot camp 3.0.4. Started few days ago by partitioning the hard disc, assigning 35 gigs for the windows (to be) partition without a problem.

Next step was either selecting to download or instert DVD for the installation. First option with the downloading continuously failed and couldn't find any software to download. The other option (inserting the DVD) was also a failure. Tried to connect a USB stick with the windows installation disc on it but the computer still didn't recognize it.

Also tried restarting while holding the ALT key but I get no options for a start drive other than the Macintosh HD.

Can anyone please help out because it is sort of becoming a pain with all the hassle.

Do I need to install a different Boot Camp Assistant? Do I need to update anything?

Thanks in advance