Inspiron 5000 motherboard replacement, prompting for BIOS master password

My Dell crashed a while back. Before this happened i was getting messages regarding not recognizing power source, etc.. One day when I started it up, the blue screen popped up and asked me for my BIOS master password. I called Dell, they gave me the master password, but it did not work. They insisted that I send it in for 500.00 and they would diagnose it,but said it was most likely the motherboard. They also would not touch it unless I purchased another warranty on top of the 100 that I already paid to talk to the tech, that did no good. So I went online and purchased a "new" motherboard. When we installed this new part, I got the same message on the same blue screen prompting me for the master password. I need help.... cause money is an issue... I tried all the suggested fixes (flashing the nickle size battery, etc). How can i get this working again.

 

Is it something about your HDD being locked? If so, try re-seating the HDD or booting without the HDD altogether. See what happens.

 

HDD? Sorry, I am not very computer lingo savvy.... And how would one go about this procedure with the HDD.

 

To simplify:

The Inspiron 5000's hard disk drive (HDD) is mounted in a removable tray. If you turn the laptop over, you should be able to spot this tray, which is next to the CD-ROM drive. It is secured by one screw. Remove the screw with a small Philips-head screw driver and you should be able to pull the tray forward. Pull the tray out, then push it back in and put the screw back in. See if this helps your problem.

P.S. Do not put any more money into this system. The Inspiron 5000, in perfect shape and in its fastest condition, is probably worth about $80 on Craigslist. I have successfully found much newer, better Dell laptops on Craigslist in the $100-150 range. If you have more questions feel free to post here.