Help! Dell laptop question

Hi

My Inspiron function/brightness doesn't work any more - seemed to go out at the same time my battery stopped charging and the battery power meter in the control panel stopped "seeing" the battery at all - it says "total battery power remaining - unknown". The orange led is flashing constantly, but turns green for a few seconds when putting the battery in, only to turn orange again. The battery was fine and held a 2 hour charge a couple weeks ago, so I don't know whats going on. Coincidence about the brightness, and battery malfunctions? Anyone seen this before?

Many thanks
David

 

Have you tried the AC adapter for your power to see if it will charge the battery, if not get a new battery. BTW you didn't say what model your using, it could be a factor there.

Inspiron 8600 2.0GHz
Intel Proceessor M
755 Dothan Chipset
1 GB RAM Memory
80 GB HD
8 DVD+R/RW-CD-R/RW
2nd CD-R burner
WXUGA 1920 X 1200 Screen
15.4 Diag. Wide Screen
Logitech Opt. Wheelman
64MB Nvidia Graphics
Canon 370 M/P Printer
Office Professional 2003
T1 PQ DSL connection
/Chaz

 

Since the battery isn't charging, the ac is the only power I have... like I said it won't charge the battery it's an inspiron 1100

David