I got as far as the OS X Utilities window and seem to be able to select "Disk Utility." I have to tab to get to the "continue" button. But no matter what I do - click enter or tap - the continue button does not work! Seems to be active as it is not grayed out and there is a blue border around it. Can someone tell me what to do next?? Thank you!
You cannot wipe the computer from the internal drive. You need to boot from the System Install/Restore disks that came with the computer to properly do that. A 2008 MacBook is too old to use recovery, which sounds like the problem you encountered.
If you do not have the disks, but still have a system disk you used to update the operating system, you can use that to boot the computer.
If you plan to recycle the computer, open it and remove the hard drive. If you don't want to keep the drive, drill a coup of holes in it or make it the guest of honor at a Heavy Hammer party. 🎉
Apple won't allow us to post link to take-apart sites here, but a search for "2008 macbook remove hard drive" should find you a help source.
Oh thanks! I had a chat with Apple and they recommended that I go to an Apple store. If they cannot erase my MacBook there, I would rather do what you suggested!
Erase my 2008 Macbook
