I have oldish compaq lap top which has got Win 98 SE on it. I came to switch it on, and it wont start up windows. when i switch it on, it gets past the compaq sign and then frezzes with a blank screen with a cusor in the top left corner. I tried to switch it back on and press F8 for the safe mode option but it won`t do it. just the same old blank screen. I have even tried to get into the BIOS, but to only come up with the same result. i am running the lap top on it`s mains power.

Please Help.

Will unit load the 98 start up disk??

I have tried that. it still wont load.
thanks.

I have tried that. it still wont load.
thanks.

Let's keep trying the simplest things. Try to restore defaults by using the function 'Fn' key. Hold it down and keep it down as you restart the machine.

I have tried the FN key but still nothing happens.
Thanks for trying to help me, I look forward to trying some more of your sugestions.

Does the HDD spin up or make any noise during the initial boot? Does BIOS report the HDD?

no.none of them.

Whats the model # of the Compaq?

Its hard to consider, but I have been pondering it. Its possible either A. Your HDD has siezed causing the onboard controllers to not respond and the system not to boot (my Dell Inspiron HDD just did that last month) or B. you have lost your onboard controller chips for the FDD and HDD.