Lights, Sound, No Action

Since the wive's laptop is dead - brought out the old Gateway with Windows Me. Last time it was used - a year or so a go. Probably 2 years or so ago.
Turn it on - lights - sound - and then nothing.
The monitor is on - and get the "monitor is working properly - check your pc or video cable" message that comes on the monitor for a couple secs then disappears for a couple secs - repeats.
I have checked all the cables, connections, etc. -- everything seems tight. Took cover off tower and checked inside that everything was tight and in place.
Any ideas or do I need to look up in our files for the specs on the computer before you can help?

 

First, get a replacement CMOS battery (it will look like a silver coin on the motherboard). Remove the old battery for approx. 30 minutes (take it with you to find the replacement) then install the new one.

If it still does not startup, there will be a problem with the graphics. Use a pure form of alcohol to spray the monitor data cable connections and disconnect/reconnect the cable several times, making certain it is seating correctly. After that, if the graphics are removable (an AGP graphics card), take out the card and clean the connectors with a soft pencil eraser.

If you use alcohol, make sure the vapors have completely dissipated before reconnecting the power.

Matt