I, like you thought this would be a simple project.
Not all USB pen drives are bootable, HP and Kingston
work( I have DOS on both of them). I had to download and install 2 programs from HP's website. They are cp006049.exe and SP27608.exe. You should also do a search on
the internet for directions on making a USB drive bootable. I do not have those directions
here at work. I will try to remeber to post them tonight or tommorow. Most of the directions on the internet do not work, but there are some that do.
Keep posting your progress and I will try to help.
Steve