Ok so I thought i might try asking you guys, hopefully there will be a techie who reads this or something, doesn't hurt to ask, right?
So I have this laptop, one day I came back home and it's off. I tried turning it back on but I see the power led turn on(green) but only the fan runs. It doesn't even run continuously, only maybe 1.5 times per second? It's like the ticking of a clock, the part you hear is the fan running, the gap is nothing. (does...that even make sense??) I don't know how to describe it. But other than that it doesn't run, no beeps or anything. I'm cheap and don't want to pay to get it fixed, anyone know how to diagnose?
thanks in advance.

Sounds like a Memory Bus error, though I've only seen it happen to desktops. Nonetheless, turn off the computer, open it up, take out the RAM sticks and put them back in. Make sure they're in the right way, close everything up, then turn the computer on.

NO.... I think it has nothing to do with memory bus error... since the PC itself isn't working... it looks like your laptop's mother board is burned... and since the fan is working or as you say "ticking" it seems that it had a problem with the battery or power source which caused your mother board to burn... by burning your mother board you can no longer do anything with it... I suggest you buy a new one... since it's much more cheaper than buying a new mother board... I hope this helps...

>>3 Before you condemn this person to buying a new computer, they should at least check both the RAM sticks and the hard drive, since it could be a mechanical failure of the drive (similar symptoms). Both of those things would be far cheaper than ponying up for a new computer.

Indeed... however a "ticking" fan and a non working screen can't possibly be an effect of RAM and hard drive failure since both of them are highly concerned to soft ware problems specially the hard drive... and if there is something wrong with the RAM sticks as you claim... it would also lead to a burned mother board... so it is best to have the mother board checked... and buy a new laptop if it is confirmed broken...

I'm sorry, but you are completely and utterly full of shit. If there is a problem with either of those two devices, it can and has led to the BIOS being unable to initialize properly. I've seen the RAM issue occur on two different desktop computers, and BOTH times reapplying the sticks led to the computers themselves functioning again. As for the hard drive, it's far less likely to be the issue but it wouldn't hurt to check as well.

"So, is it possible to turn on a computer without RAM sticks in it?

Nope. It's nigh-on impossible mate.

Have you tried, and does it beep at least?

Yea I have, numerous times in checking to see that a motherboard light switches on. The light does switch on for sure, but no beeps. The BIOS won't start without RAM."

Source: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/692408

Indeed but bios isn't the main problem here... sure you need a bios to confirm that the RAM is working but the screen literally shows no sign of power going through it... why is that?... because the power source broke causing the mother board to brake... leaving it fluctuating power leaving the fan like that... this is a common mistake for beginners... they often leave their laptop on for a couple of hours or they leave it plugged.. that sir is not healthy for laptops because they're not as good as desktops...

My friend had the same thing happen to a laptop before... same signs, same explanation, RAM didn't wasn't the main problem... it was the motherboard itself...

>>9 Now I really can't take you seriously. Do you want to know how many powered on hours my laptop has? More than 8500. I'll leave this laptop on for two to four days at a time, no problems. Motherboard is completely fine.

Second, the BIOS will not initialize if it's not detecting physical memory. FACT. That means the screen will remain black. It does not mean the motherboard is fried. Stop telling the OP to throw out their computer when you clearly have no idea what you're talking about.

I attempted to do some searching online and I also found people saying that with similar problems it was a motherboard problem and saying me and my laptop were both screwed, I need to buy another one etc.. So I should do (or attempt to do) what was instructed in post 2? I have no computer/laptop experience in terms of taking them apart, but I'm sure there are a lot of YouTube videos, should I just try it?

Please do go ahead and try what you think will help... if you wish to confirm the facts about the RAM then do so... if taking your laptop apart is outside your capabilities or if you can't get anyone to do it for you... then buy a new laptop as you please....

Also please tell me the conclusion you made for your problem... I think it would benefit me...

Sure ill let you know but I don't think I'll be doing anything for a while, I'm a lazy student with no money :(

I see.... well there goes my chance... thanks anyway...

chance for what?

Nothing much really... just a chance to get something that may be useful some other time....