The computer powers up, but the monitor shows nothing.

I had a problem like this before (On a different computer)... The CD-ROM wouldn't eject and nothing else connected with IDE cables worked. I remove the IDE cables from the cd-rom and the motherboard, and leave the power on to it... and the CD-ROM works. I tried disconnecting all IDE devices (Including hard drive) and it still won't display anything on the screen (A computer can start with nothing attached to any IDE interface)

I'm not going to pay an overpayed technician to look at it

There was a plastic piece jiggling around the bottom, but it's the same colour as the case, so I'm not concerned about that...

Also, the fan makes a funny noise. I had an old computer that made the same sound, so I don't think it's that.

I need something to run Mandriva Linux on!!! Why won't it start!?

Let's start with the first problem shall we? There's a problem with your monitor or video card perhaps. Actually, let's back up a step. I wouldn't recommend touching any cables inside you compter unless the power is OFF and preferrably unplugged. There are some exception to this rule but unless you're a trained technician, please don't do it.

Where was I? Oh yes, the display issue. Start with the basics, make sure things are connected properly, video card seated in the AGP slot correctly, and check that power is on after you do all this. If this doesn't work, you might try clearing your bios. With the power OFF, remove the battery from your motherboard. I recommend keeping it out for a few minutes before re-inserting it. This is usually my cue to go grab a drink. Re-insert your motherboard battery and give it another go. If this doesn't work, let us know...

I'll try that tommorow, thanks

I just got this computer today, thru the mail... Is it possible that even though there is no physical damage, that it's the reason it's not working?

BTW, my video card is integrated

that rules ou bad connection. Do you have a way to check if the monitor works. Otherwise just go ahead with the bios clear and see what happens.

Did this computer come with any instructions? Is the case black? Jumper caps are black. Motherboards usually have a reset jumper. If that jumper fell off, and is that plastic piece you saw, exactly what you are talking about will happen. So, check to see where that reset jumper is, and check if there is a jumper cap on it. There should be three pins. Run position is with the cap on the left two pins.

i had the same situaltion before... twice..... and in both cases i found the motherboard were dead....

but let us gice it a try....
make sure the monitor is working

if ur mobo came with a BIOS rescue disk or something just try... it...

since u have not mentioned anything about ur board beeping i assume this is not the problem but u can try shifting the memory in various slots..
if u got more than 1 memory stick... remove all but one...

It's not a jumper, just a piece of plastic... same colour as the case

No one can think of anything?

is there anyway you can check the monitor by putting it on a different computer. This will make sure it isnt a monitor problem. Then we can focus on the computer more.

Everyone has given you good advice so far. Seems though you haven't tested the monitor.

1) TEST MONITOR
Note: Ok, so you can't? Fine. Turn on machine and listen for hard disk. Does it sound like its reading? That would be a sign of some OS booting. No os on drive? Put dos bootable disk in floppy. Does it boot? If yes to both (or one) of these then the monitor is shot.

2) Pull RAM. Vaccumm (carefully) the slots. Re-seat RAM.

If it turns out the monitor is fine and re-seating the ram doesn't solve the problem, tyr to get a cheap PCI or AGP video card and see if it's solves the problem.

One, we're not overpaid, we charge accordingly for our knowledge. I've been a sole-proprietor technican for over 10 years now, and full time the past 2 years.

Two, we're not overpaid because in most cases we need to deal with people who troubleshoot their own problems in a manner like in the quote above.

Good luck dude,
Scott

PS: I'm not trying to be rude, just venting about your comment... It's all good!

Hmmm, well, lets see...you can take lots of time and thrash around you system, possibly making it worse than it is now because you appear to not really understand things, or... pay somebody for their knowledge to adequately diagnose the problem with your system. You seem to have failed doing the most basic check: Did you test the monitor on a known working system???? and the results are??????

Lets assume the monitor is functioning normally and your have the brightness turned the whole way up, and that it is set to accept video input through the PC video connector...
What happens when you boot the machine? See any sort of flash on the monitor? hear any audio beeps? The number and duration mean something about the condition of the system.
Did you try entering setup at the bios boot time? Perhaps the built in video is turned OFF...in which case you need to reset the bios to its default settings, which is usually accomplished by reworking a jumper on the MB. Of course, you will need to identify who made the MB, model number and rev number, most recent bios update, etc. and while your at it, you just might want to make sure that all the on board connections are made properly (with the PS unplugged becasue most all new MBs draw power even when the PS is switched off- but you knew that right?). Reading the MB manual will tell you this. Now an good 'overpriced' technician will have ran through all of this in his/her head in about 5 seconds and made a determination on the most likely area to look closer into. Did you do any of this and decide it is 'uninportant' information (a falicy on your part because you did not adequately describe the state of your machine) or, did you just flip the switch, observe nothing, and decide to throw up a thread topic on a forum????
This was free advice...any more will cost ya dearly...
John

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what is that supposed to be

If the mobo is working it will give one beep on bootup.