Bootcamp Windows 7 Install Problem

Hi,

I am having problems Installing Windows 7 via Bootcamp on My Macbook Pro 13" Early 2011 (running Mavericks) and was wondering if anyone could help/offer advice.

I took out the optical drive and put in an SSD a while ago, and now I want to install Windows 7 on the SSD. So firstly I tried installing it using a Windows 7 disc and an external optical drive but apparently you can't install it using that method (when you try to install it comes up with a blank screen and blinking cursor). Next I made a bootable USB using an ISO image, and tried to install via the BCA. But when I restart and try to install, it comes up with a black screen saying there is no bootable drive present; I have even tried holding down alt on start up to see what options I have for booting but all I have is the recovery drive and my SSD.

One thing I have read is that I can buy an external SuperDrive, amend the coding in the terminal (or somewhere) which will make the drive compatible with my mac, and then install Windows 7 via Disc through BCA that way. Does any one know if this will work before I purchase one?

Does anyone know of any other methods?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.