Hi. Today I went to turn on my cpu (windows 98) and it just didn't turn on. The power button light up on the cpu and then thats it. Usually, it makes that noise as it starts and then windows loads and all that good stuff. Now, I turn it on and nothing happens. The light turns on and stays on, but nothing else occurs. I know the problem is not with my monitor. If I try and hit the power button once I turn the cpu on, the cpu will not turn off. I unplugged the cpu and waited and then replugged it and there was no difference. I opened it up to see if I could notice anything different(I don't know too much) and I did not notice anything odd. I tightened all the connections(I did not notice any loose ones) and there still was no difference. I really appreciate any help that anybody may be able to give.
Thanks.

Hi iverdude, welcome to SAF

Sounds like a PSU problem... there are some cheap ($ 10~15) digital PSU testers that can be used to check it.

Are the fans and HD running ?

Hi. The fan is running. I am not sure if the harddrive is running. How do I tell? Do I look for something or try and hear it running.

This may have a lot of causes... I suspect the PSU, you'll have to test it. Eventually, if the psu works properly, it may be a dead videocard or the mobo itself.

You can try to remove the videocard and re-seat it. Also, try resetting BIOS to its factory defaults using the proper motherboard jumper or removing the little round 3v. battery for half an hour. Computer must be unplugged from the wall outlet during that.

Chris

QUOTE

The light turns on and stays on, but nothing else occurs.

Take the cover off the PC and remove all the cards (except the video Card) from the expansion slots. Make note of where each card comes out. See if the computer then boots. Do you hear any beeps during when the computer tries to come on?

QUOTE

If I try and hit the power button once I turn the cpu on, the cpu will not turn off.

Hold the button in for about 10 or 15 seconds and see if the computer turns off.

Have you had any lightning storms around your house lately? Do you have a wire running from the phone line to a modem in your computer?

Okay, thanks zap and ironbender. I will try your ideas and tell you what happens sometime tommorow. Thanks for your help.

I found out that the problem is most likely in my motherboard. Thanks for all your help.

Would you mind sharing how you found the most likely problem?