Can I force a boot from a USB drive?

[childofthetao]

Hello, is it possible for me to force my laptop to boot from a USB drive? When I go to the boot menu I see no option to boot from USB so I guess it's not supported in the bios.

Is there any way to force it? I want to install linux but my dvd drive overheats after a few minutes of reading the disc.

Thanks

 

[childofthetao]

EDIT: Or is it possible to force a boot from a USB dvd drive?