Roger321,

Thank you for using the Dell Community Forum.

I removed the empty posts.  Please remove the battery and visually check the connector in the bay and on the battery for damage.

Check the charge directly on the battery, using the button and lights on the back of the battery. The lights should come on and stay on for a few seconds. If the indicator shows no charge, there could be an issue with the AC adapter instead of the battery. If any of the lights flash, then it may be a problem with the battery. Please tell me what lights come on and whether or not they flash or come on for a few seconds. Then reinsert the battery, and make sure that the battery will fully seat in the bay. It should be flush with the case plastics.

Try another battery, if possible. Try the battery in another system of the same model, if possible.

The 4 cell batteries should last about an hour without heavy use of the processor. 8 cell batteries should last roughly double this.

Dell warrants batteries for one year after the original purchase date of the system. After this time period, you should contact our Spare Parts department to purchase a replacement. Spare Parts can be reached at 1-800-372-3355 Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM Central time.

You can also purchase spare parts and accessories through our website. Start at:

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/dellitems.asp

Put in your Service Tag Number, or choose your system and you will be taken to a list of new and refurbished parts for your system.

This knowledge base article may provide additional information.

It is also possible that the BIOS needs to be reset or updated. Updates are available from the Downloads tab (above). Please update your profile with the system service tag on your computer.