Q: How can I get Maverick off my laptop? Black screen and don't get startup tone all the time

What version of OS X was originally installed on your computer - pre-installed by factory, that is?

OS X Mavericks: System Requirements

How to identify MacBook Pro models

So you tried to upgrade from Tiger to Mavericks directly? That cannot be done. Only from Snow Leopard directly to Mavericks is possible. So, this is why your computer no longer starts.

I would suggest you go to Apple's Online Store and order a copy of Snow Leopard for $19.99. Meanwhile, dig out your original installer disc that came with the computer and reinstall Tiger until the Snow Leopard DVD arrives.

You will need to install Tiger onto a newly erased drive, so follow these basic steps:

     1. Boot the computer using the Tiger Installer Disc or the Disc 1 that came

         with your computer.  Insert the disc into the optical drive and restart the computer.

         After the chime press and hold down the  "C" key.  Release the key when you see

         a small spinning gear appear below the dark gray Apple logo.

     2. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue

         button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu.

         After DU loads select the hard drive entry from the left side list (mfgr.'s ID and drive

         size.)  Click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.  Set the number of

         partitions to one (1) from the Partitions drop down menu, click on Options button

         and select GUID, click on OK, then set the format type to MacOS Extended

         (Journaled, if supported), then click on the Apply button.

     3. When the formatting has completed quit DU and return to the installer.  Proceed

         with the OS X installation and follow the directions included with the installer.

     4. When the installation has completed your computer will Restart into the Setup

         Assistant. Be sure you configure your initial admin account with the exact same

         username and password that you used on your old drive. After you finish Setup

         Assistant will complete the installation after which you will be running a fresh

         install of OS X.  You can now begin the update process by opening Software

         Update and installing all recommended updates to bring your installation current.

When you get the Snow Leopard DVD you can repeat the above steps but substitute Snow Leopard for Tiger. After you install Snow Leopard you must update it to 10.6.8 by downloading and installing Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1. Now you are ready to upgrade either to Mountain Lion or Mavericks.

Be sure your computer meets all the requirements:

  OS X Mountain Lion - System Requirements

       Macs that can be upgraded to OS X Mountain Lion

         1. iMac (Mid 2007 or newer) - Model Identifier 7,1 or later

         2. MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer) - Model Identifier 5,1 or later

         3. MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later

         4. MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer) - Model Identifier 2,1 or later

         5. Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later

         6. Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later

         7. Xserve (Early 2009) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later