Hello again James.
I was correct it's a dead CMOS battery ("backup battery" as listed in the Maintenance Manual).
It is easy enough to change. Simply open the memory cover on the bottom of the laptop. The battery is located next to the ram. Below is a link to the maintenance manual. Scroll to page 62 for instructions.
ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pccbbs/mobiles/38xhmm.pdf
This is the battery you're looking for Part# 02K6498.
( I am not endorsing the etailer below as I have no knowledge of thier reliabilty. The link is only for visual purposes. It may be a reliable vendor, I've never dealt with them so I can't say.)http://www.lowcostbatteries.com/ibm_...4-fslash-2.htm
Have a good day,
Matt