Where did you get that idea? I'm looking at a 32-bit Win8 installation disk right now.
The OP said his machine has 2 gig of RAM, which is totally sufficient to run Win8.
Available Physical Memory 634.88 MB
That's a HUGE distinction, as newer OSes require physical RAM. Given his local machine is as old as it is, virtual memory would be highly undesirable, as he's likely using IDE hard disks. Memory swapping would completely overwhelm that spinning disk.
Is your install disk an OEM disk or an actual Microsoft-branded, purchased from Microsoft install disk? You will be very hard pressed to find a 32-bit OEM disk. Microsoft might provide 32-bit install disks as a courtesy, but by 2020, 32-bit will no longer be an option in computing. That's an industry push, not just Microsoft. You'd be doing yourself a great disservice with 32-bit Windows 8, as you'll be pegged at 3.5 GB of physical memory and won't be able to use the extended registers on 64-bit hardware.
So if you "got me" anywhere, it's that I should've said you won't be having a good time with 32-bit Win8.