Other users have claimed success using F10 to adjust the BIOS boot options (system configurations->Boot Order) and adjusting USB HARDDRIVE to be the first in the list, where they've been successful booting a properly prepared USB Flash drive.(Allegedly there is a "USB DEVICE" option as well- this one doesn't work).
Does the Flash Drive you are trying to boot from properly on other systems? You should confirm it is bootable on another system just to make sure.
Regarding the disc drive problem:
Have you tried starting the computer with a bootable DVD/CD in the drive?
Note that the drive making sounds or spinning doesn't tell you much more other than the drive is getting power and the spindle motor is able to spin the drive. It could still have completely failed.
However, doing a bit of research, it seems that model of laptop is prone to an issue where the disc drive actually comes disconnected internally from the computer itself, so the system no longer sees it. It will still receive power so it will still do stuff if you insert or remove discs. At any rate, it may simply be a matter of reseating it. I found
this straightforward video which covers it. It's mostly loosening one screw, extracting the drive, and then re-inserting it and refastening the screw.