thinkpad booting problem

Hi,

I recently purchased a used IBM thinkpad and am having some problems
starting it. Upon trying to power-up the machine, a few of the green lights
flash, you can hear what sounds like the fan start for a split second, and
the processor or memory grind also grinds for a split second and then
everything shuts off completly. The same thing occurs whether I have the
batter or the the A/C cord plugged in. The screen does not appear to
illuminate at all except for a split second when it make a slight blink.

Does anyone have any ideas about the source of this problem and a potential
solution. I may try going inside but i want to know what I'm going after
first.

Thanks,

Chris Enns