Computer wont start

[DLeonR]

Hi all, I have this Dell 4600 computer of my nieces and I can't get it to start. They had a friend came over a couple of months ago to take a look at it. He said it probably neede a new motherboard, so they went out and bought one, to find out it was still giving the same problem of not staying on. So they returned the motherboard. Now I a trying to see if I can get it going for them and it looks like the problem is getting worse. You hit the start button and the power light blinks and the HHD light blinks but I don't hear the post start beep, then it shuts off, all this in with in 5 to 10 seconds. I first thought it was the CPU but then I change my mind to the power unit. What do you guys think it could be?

[DLeonR]

If you need me to furnish any other information, feel free to ask. One thing I forgot to say, is I can't even get to BIOS setup on this system.

[RoadGlide]

I have a similar issue with a Lenovo R61e, only it runs forever once I get it started. To start I need to push the restart button several times, it attempts to
start, but shuts down not getting to the BIOS. When it does start, there's a quick flash across the screen before it boots. I'm going to try replacing the RAM as I've run out of suggestions. :confused: