[Buko21]

Laptop won't boot. I have checked all connections and they appear OK.
The screen is black. Any suggestions on where to start? Could a bad battery cause this? The computer is >5 years old.

 

[CCT]

Does anything happen (fan spinning, beeps)?

Is the battery area warm with the charger in as if it is maintaining a charge?

Any lights at all (caps lock or whatever even momentarilly)?

 

[Buko21]

The CD player runs for a few seconds then stops. The caps lock light does not work. The battery area is warm. There are no beeps. No other lights come on.

 

[CCT]

Well, I am afraid, since it isn't even posting to Bios splash screen, that something has seriously tanked.

Given its' age, you have to decide how much repair money to throw at it.

Because the cd spins, that says to me that the lid-switch isn't stopping power on - could be a detached cable inside (they do get loose somehow).

I think a trip to the shop for a checkup may be your best avenue.

gl