Reinstalling OS X on old MBP. Tried Internet Reinstall and Newer OS X USB Install
You said "an old MacBook Pro." Perhaps if you could be a little more specific? This article from Apple will tell you if it is compatible:

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5842

If it is not that may be why it didn't work.

Internet recovery may have timed out due to WiFi issues, besides no matter how fast your WiFi is its still slower and less reliable than an ethernet cable plugged directly into your router. You might want to try that.