3200 Power Supply Problem?

I have an Inspiron 3200 which has served me well to this point.

A few months ago, it started making this screeching noise and at the same time the battery display on the LCD panel would flash and 'marque" from low to high (right to left) at a fast rate. If I pulled the power cord from the side, it would settle down. This would happen every so often, until one day the machine refused to boot. I removed the battery and tried that, removed the power supply and the machine would run for a split second and stop. The battery displays 1 flashing LED when I press the supply button on it.

I put a meter on the output of the power supply now and it reads 0. So I presume that the power supply (External on the electrial cord) is dead. The LED on it is flashing at a very fast rate and remains cool when plugged in.

Is it dead in the water or is there some repair I might attempt? Has anyone else had this same basic problem and did you determine that is was the external power supply or was it the battery?

I am not able to afford to send this in for repair (two + years of unemployment will do that) and can't afford to try buying something to see if it works. So, any help you can offer would be appreciated greatly!

I love my laptop and would like it to be working again.

Thanks and have a great Holiday Season!