Can’t get rid of NT Kernal

NT 4.0 loaded on a 400mz dell, wanted to remove nt and replace with win 98. Followed the tech net instructions. When 98 starts we keep getting the blue screen error can’t load windows ntkernal. I have tried everything I can think of, formated hard drive, fdisk /mbr, deleted partions and re-formated hard drive,low level formated hard drive,pulled cmos battery and replaced hard drive with new one. Still can’t load win ntkernal,hitting any key and win98 starts and runs fine, except win98 hangs on shutdown. Any ideas.
Mark