The IBM T40 series laptops have a design fault - don't ask IBM to admit to it, they won't.
Over time, picking the laptop up can cause the systemboard to flex, and eventually the graphics chip comes loose.
Sometimes you will get a display for a while and you can sometimes get it to work by putting pressure on the keyboard.
Bad news is that the only fix for this is a new systemboard - IBM will charge you £299 plus fitting.
There are some sites that show you how to possibly overcome the problem with a hot air gun and crossed fingers, but not good.
Suggest you sell it on E-Bay and cut your losses :-(
Barry
May 2008