Remove BIOS password?

On an older computer that hasn't been used for a few months-

I can't get past a request for a "system password".  When I start the computer partway through the startup process, with a black screen it says, among other things, "performing automatic IDE configuration" and than wants the system password.  This from a computer that worked the last time I used it.

 I  know the password but I can't enter it.  With two known good keyboards the computer does not recognize that I have typed a letter when I attempt to enter it. So I can't enter my password.  I am not sure when or why I did such a stupid thing as to set a system password:(

This is a Dell Dimension E520 [Amin Note: Service Tag Edited per TOU policy] with Windows XP Professional SP3.

Is there some way to reset the system password?  It won't boot from recovery disks and other bootable CD's without this password.   I know this PC will boot from the optical drive when it is responding because I regurly used boot CDs when I made backup disk images.

I had removed the small battery for about 48 hours as I was told on another forum this would let things like BIOS passwords drain out of the system.

Right now this thing is good for a boat anchor and that is all.

Is there any way to remove the system password so I can use this thing?

Richard