firefox position absolute inside a relative container issue

Answer 1

I looked at the hoverplus jQuery plugin and the source file shows the method used:

// parent must be relatively positioned
this.parent().css({ position: 'relative' });

// pulsing element must be absolutely positioned
this.css({ position: 'absolute', top: 0, left: 0 });

Because of this plugin's requirements and your current design needs, I recommend using .transit() jQuery plugin that has powerful and easy to use Zoom features without such requirements.

I prepared two Table Examples, each with 9 Div's and as you can see by the markup, it can't be any easier!

jsFiddle DEMO of Zoomed Div's with Images in Tables

After you take a look at the jsFiddle I made for you, you can see all .transit() plugin features on the demo page HERE.

EDIT: The jsFiddle now has required CSS style for td tag of position:relative per your update.