If you have used the Install Disk as the Startup disk (that is, not just inserted it, but restarted your Mac while holding down the "C" key so the CD becomes the startup), then Disk Utility should appear as a menu choice at the top of your screen.

This may not address any of your other issues, but should clarify this point.

On a Mac since 1984.
Currently: 24" M1 iMac, M2 Pro Mac mini with 27" BenQ monitor, M2 Macbook Air, MacOS 14.x; iPhones, iPods (yes, still) and iPads.