Possible ps or mobo problem

[orogeny]

I have a problem with my old computer. This afternoon when I got home from work, my wife told me that our old computer would not turn on. When I took a look at it, the hard drive light was on, but the computer wasn't. I tried pushing in the power button for ~15 sec and nothing happened. I unplugged the computer and the hd light remained lit.

Thinking it may be the ps, I went to Best Buy to get a new one (my son had a paper he had to do for school, so I didn't have a choice!). I installed it and it started right up. However, once I plugged in all the cables, it wouldn't start. Same as before, the hd light was on but the system wouldn't power up.

I disconnected all the external cables except the power cord and it started. It has been running ever since.

Since I saw the same problem with the ps, I am concerned that it may be something else, perhaps the motherboard. Since it is an older computer (~5 years old), I won't mess with a new mb, just likely get a new computer. However, I would like to avoid that if possible.

Any suggestions? Does this sound like a motherboard problem?

Thanks for your help in advance.

Tim

 

[Laputa]

Assuming no thin Maxtor drives that has the N40P problem. See if you can get the PC to post without any drive attached. If it does, try the floppy boot up. If that works, then try the hard drive boot up. If that does not work, you got a problem with the drive. If nothing work at all and your power supply is new, you got a problem with the motherboard. Then maybe trying to reseat the RAM or the video card; the video card may be off set. If you see smoke coming out while trying, the Christmas present is will be due soon:B You do everything with the power cord unplug of course to prevent accidental fires...hehe...

 

[Laputa]

Check all cable connections for proper connection. One device at a time and that should not take long to figure out which device is faulty.

 

[orogeny]

Thanks, Laputa.

The problem seems to be a USB hub. It works when I plug it in while the computer is on, but causes the lock-up problem when the computer is off.

Any ideas why a USB hub would cause that problem?

Tim

 

[KGB]

Does the USB hub have an external power supply?

 

[orogeny]

Yes it does.

Tim

 

[KGB]

Is there anything plugged into the hub when you're trying to boot?
If so, what is it?

 

[orogeny]

Yes, I have a printer, a compact flash card reader and a joystick plugged into the hub.

Thanks in advance for you help.

Tim