Need Help With Wiping A HD

Ok i know i go to format let the hardrive re-format then go to reboot insert my Windows XP Cd install it, but what im wondering is will the CD Drive still work when the HD is reformated???? do i need to do something special so i can make the CD Drive work after the re-format.



Will the keyboard and mouse still work (Its a laptop so) I know ill have to re-install drivers but will i be able to use the computer so i can re-install them thx. All help is greatly appriciated.

Your BIOS controls all of those things, so the important things (keyboard, CD drive) work fine.

Ok im having troubles when i go to format i click ok then it says please close ll things that are using this drive well windows is using this drive how can i format it??