@StrayBit,
Do I understand correctly that B2 was the last one to give you kb/mouse, and since then you have not allowed a new install to configure your boot loader?
Editing the boot options as explained above applies to GRUB. If you use lilo, you enter "Tab" to get to edit mode. The bootable CD uses syslinux, which works differently. However, your problem arises not during the installation, but after the first reboot?