Install loop to Recovery options

I've tried install packages of Sonoma, Ventura, and Monterey, all with the same result.

2007 iMac with upgraded processor T9300 and blank Samsung 250 GB SSD.

USB hub used to address the 1.1 issue, but the problem happens with Monterey also.

I hold the Option key to boot into EFI USB and follow online instructions to format the SSD to APFS. Set the SSD as the target.

It seems to work at the install, but every time, after about 30 minutes of chugging along, it boots into recovery, offering the usual choices of Restore from Time Machine, Install Ventura (or Monterey, depending on what USB I'm trying) Safari, and Disk utility.

Selecting Install Ventura, the progress bar goes along for 30 minutes, then boots back to the Recovery screen described above, and we start the process all over again with nothing installed.

Any advice would be appreciated.