Maybe you can post the machine spec here and check the distribution's hardware compatibility list if there are any known problems.
If this is an older machine, you must also make sure that you use a Linux build that is still compatible with the CPU in that computer: Most current distros probably require something in the Pentium IV class or higher.
If that CPU of yours is what above message makes me think it is (a Pentium II), I don't think you can use a kernel compiled for 686 CPUs, which most current 32 Bit x86 kernels are. Try a kernel compiled for 586 CPUs or lower, if you can find one. Maybe there's one on that live CD as well.
If this is an older machine, you must also make sure that you use a Linux build that is still compatible with the CPU in that computer: Most current distros probably require something in the Pentium IV class or higher.
If that CPU of yours is what above message makes me think it is (a Pentium II), I don't think you can use a kernel compiled for 686 CPUs, which most current 32 Bit x86 kernels are. Try a kernel compiled for 586 CPUs or lower, if you can find one. Maybe there's one on that live CD as well.