The computer does not beep when the card connections are loose.
Motherboards are built with an integrated beeper that uses a universal beeping code to indicate problems that may be occurring in the computer. These are sequences of long and short beeps. The sequence the computer emits depends on the problem it is having. Under normal circumstances, a motherboard should never buzz, although some develop a buzzing sound when the motherboard develops an electrical short when it contacts the computer case.
Instructions
Desktop
1. Press the computer button and listen for one short beep, indicating that the computer is POSTing and starting correctly. If you do not hear the initial beep, this indicates that there is an internal short, no power is reaching the motherboard or that the RAM or video card is not working -- or not sitting in the slots correctly.
2. Check the power cable connection if you do not hear the one beep and the computer won't start. Press the connector firmly in the power port of the computer. Check the monitor cable to make sure it is firmly connected to the computer. Press the power button to listen for the one beep and the start up of the computer. Disconnect the computer and plug it into another outlet if you still don't get a beep or a post. Repeat the power connection checking process.
3. Disconnect the cables from the back of the desktop tower and turn it so the back faces you. Remove the Phillips screws from the right side panel or remove all of the screws from case covers that are one piece. Slide the cover off the machine. Turn the tower so you can see the inside of the motherboard.
4. Look for the RAM memory toward the middle of the motherboard. These are the cards that look like short 6-inch rulers and sit parallel to the motherboard.
5. Reseat the RAM memory or video card by pressing firmly along the top edge of the card. This will ensure a good connection with the motherboard and create the single beep, if this is the problem.
6. Press the power button again, and listen for the short beep and watch for the normal startup screen.
7. Press the power connectors from the power supply firmly into the motherboard, hard drive and DVD device. These are the connectors with many multicolored cables coming from it. Connectors can come loose when the computer is moved, causing no power to reach the PC. Press the power button again to see if power reaches the motherboard and you hear the beep.
Laptop
8. Connect the laptop to another outlet and press the power button to see if you get the one beep and startup.
9. Look at the laptop power cord to see if the regulator box has a lit LED light. If the LED does not turn on in the cord, replace the cord with a new one and press the power button to listen for the beep.
10. Wiggle the power cable at the power jack port, if the power cord is working. Press the power button as you wiggle the cord. Listen for the one beep and look for the Windows Logo. A power jack that is going bad will beep when the power cord connects in a certain position.
11. Disconnect the power cord and all external cords from the computer. Turn the computer over so the bottom faces-up. Unfasten the small Phillips screws that hold the hard drive and RAM memory plastic covers in place.
12. Remove the covers and press the RAM firmly in the slot. Do the same for the hard drive. Replace the covers and screws. Reconnect the power cord and turn the computer back over. Open it and press the power button to listen for the one startup beep. Look for the Windows start up screen.
Tags: power button, power cord, button listen, hard drive, power button listen, another outlet, beep this