If you are installing xp, you can format in the process or you can make a bootable cd from a windows boot disk, there are several ways. Maxblast or Partition Magic boot cds can also be used.
you can delete the partitions if you are using xp. The most annoying thing is if you have a sata harddrive, as it cant see the driver
I borrow a floppy drive from the school, as i know the i.t. team quite well. you could borrow one from a friend, or buy one, they are very cheap anyway.