my dell inspiron laptop screen do's not come on when i turn my laptop on?

hi.. i had the same problem with my inspiron 2650, no output to an external screen either.. how i fixed it.. remove keyboard and check to make sure the connection on the graphics card is all the way in (just press on the top of the screen cable connection) mine had been knocked and the card had partly lifted breaking the connection, just pressing it back down sorted the problem... also the graphics cards on most dell laptops are changable (not built into the motherboard), but before you try dismantling it make sure its not just the back light not working (you should be able to see a faint image on the screen when booted if the light is out) good luck.. Les..

Les Ralph
May 2007