Member Avatar for nicksuave

I have a Toshiba Satellite laptop (model L500 - 02H) that doesn't turn on when I press the power button. I bought a new battery, put it in the laptop, and let it charge for 24hrs (well theoretically at least - if the laptop is plugged into the wall through the A/C and the battery is inside, will the battery charge even though the computer is dead?). When the A/C cable is not plugged in, there are no lights lit up, and when I plug it in, the 2 green lights light up. I tried running the laptop where there is no battery inside, but the A/C is connected & plugged into the wall, but the laptop remains dead. I did this using different power outlets, all with the same result. I tried suggestions that people put up fr other people's posts, and none of them worked, like: holding the fn key, pressing all keys on the keyboard, taking out the battery & A/C then holding the power button for 1 minute then putting everything back in, etc. What can I do at this point? Is my computer dead for good?

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Thread summary and focused next steps (adds to and discussion)

The steps already tried (new battery, AC connected, power-drain cycles and the RAM/beep check suggested by ) rule out a few simple causes, but they still leave two broad possibilities: the laptop is not getting the correct DC input to the motherboard, or the board itself has a hardware failure that prevents POST. Mute state does not disable POST/beep codes, so the absence of a beep with RAM removed is meaningful.

Practical diagnostics, in order of effort and safety

  • Verify the adapter: read the voltage/current printed on the adapter label and measure the barrel output with a multimeter while the adapter is plugged in (do this with only the adapter connected). If the measured DC does not match the label within a few percent the adapter is bad. If no meter is available, try a verified, compatible spare adapter.
  • Check the DC jack/plug: wiggle the barrel gently while watching the charge/power LEDs. Intermittent lights or loss of LED indicate a loose or broken jack assembly (a common, inexpensive repair).
  • Visual inspection: with battery removed and adapter unplugged, open the bottom cover and look for obvious damage — burnt areas, bulging or leaking capacitors, or loose cables for the power button and speaker.
  • Board voltage check (advanced): measure for the adapter voltage at the board DC-in pads/connector with the adapter plugged in. No board voltage with a good adapter points to a failed DC-in board/fuse or regulator components and usually requires component-level repair.

When to get professional help
If the adapter and DC jack are good but the board shows no power, this is a motherboard-level fault (power regulators, fuses, EC/BIOS). For an older Satellite L500 the cost of board repair or replacement can exceed the laptop's value; reasonable options are a local diagnostic/repair shop, buying a used donor board, or salvaging components (HDD, RAM). Opening the chassis risks ESD and voids warranty; seek a technician if not comfortable working with electronics.

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Member Avatar for Rik_

Have you tried removing the ram and seeing if it will beep?

Member Avatar for nicksuave

Well I'm not very familiar with disassembling laptops and don't want to destroy it. Is it easy to do, or do I have to take the laptop apart?

Member Avatar for nicksuave

How do I "beep" the RAM?

Member Avatar for Rik_

With the ram removed, the laptop should beep when you try turning it on!

Member Avatar for nicksuave

I took out the RAM & pressed the power button and there was no beep. But when I did it, the battery was out of the laptop, and the A/C wasn't plugged in. Do I need to do it over with both of them plugged in?

Member Avatar for nicksuave

I tried other combinations with the battery & A/C being plugged in, but there still is no beep no matter what I try. Is there a chance this is because the computer was in mute mode the last time it was on, or does that not matter? Is there anything else that I can try? What looks to be the problem at this point?
Thanks

Member Avatar for Rik_

It looks to be a deadun then, you may well have to take it to a professional for diagnosis!

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