clean install win98

Here's a link that will step-by-step you through Win98 install.

http://www.wown.com/j_helmig/win98.htm

First off - why windows 98 and not 2000/xp? Are you restricted to this OS?

You can check out technet.microsoft.com - do a serach for windows 98 installation and you should be able to get what you need there.

Just another quick note for you, if you have a number of additional cards in the pc like for a modem, sound, network,... I'ld uninstall them before starting so you aren't trying to figure out which device its asking for a driver for. Also if you are reloading windows don't forget to reload the chip drivers for your motherboard, this is especially important if you have an agp graphics card since you must load the motherboard driver then direct x then the video and montior drivers in that order to get it to work right!!!!
Then after you have it up and running add each additional card one at a time and get it set up in win98. Let us know how it's going.
Good luck

All good answers, but if you are a first timer I would also suggest this link; http://www.easydesksoftware.com/youformat.htm
Written in easy to understand language for a newbie. They also have an interesting tool or two.

Good luck! And do keep us posted.