knowing something about the pc would help is this windows 7? there has been a known issue after a certain update that can cause the black screen. Never try to do anything while the pc is loading at boot up let it do its thing and finish before you start clicking and trying to open or close stuff.
yes drivers can cause problems going back to the previous one could be one thing to try.
I would try to unplug everything from power that includes your modem, router pc and printer everything that is connected to the pc you want to shut off all power, leave it all shut off for a few minutes then star up your modem first let it fully green, then your router let it fully green then boot the pc and see if it boots normally if not then try to get into safe mode again if I knew which version of windows that would help giving direction.

Probably a driver, shut the computer down turn it back on while the computer restarts keep tapping the F8 key the computer will enter the Advanced Options Menu, choose Safe Mode using the Arrow Keys. Once in Safe Mode click Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, And Finally System Restore. Choose a restore point to a time before you installed the printer driver.

Thank you!!I am not home right now but will try these suggestions when I get there. It is windows xp. I have a new computer on order anyway but do have some unsaved files I am worried about. You have given me hope! I am confused though whether or not I should start in regular or safe mode though since both were recommended to do first.

IF you follow ravens advice it may boot into windows. If it does not then do the Safe Mode thing.

you should still be able to get anything off of it by using a linux live cd to access the hard drive in the pc, if we need to do that we can help you with that.

In your initial post you say you have left the computer switched on but it is frozen.
Is that the state right now?

If so you need to remove the left side panel and look at the fan on the motherboard to see if it is spinning. Perhaps this is as simple as the processor cooling fan quitting. The computer would quit to protect your CPU or processor from overheating.

As you have a new computer on order perhaps we can assume this machine is a bit older. After checking the fan mentioned above switch off the computer, remove the power cord from the rear of the case and check the cooling fins underneath that fan. Are they full of dust and dirt? If so a can of compressed air will work wonders, be sure to place a finger on the fan to prevent it spinning wildly as you use the compressed air to remove all that crud. (Do this outside if it is particularly dirty, saves a lot of dusting afterwards)

Your data is probably safe because the hard drive is probably still good to go. What ever happens you could use this as a wake up call and back up your data. Also if you have not already done it you should create a set of recovery disks - unless Dell provided them at purchase time of course.

If you haven't done a backup recently, do one as soon as possible. Sometimes bad spots on hard drives can cause freezes.

yay!!! It worked! everything is up and running again and lightning fast. I am so happy you can't imagine. Thank you!! Now with this driver removed, what do i do about a printer? Am i just out of luck or what?

oh and before i open up this external hard drive, is it going to require me to install some software that is going to possibly get me into trouble again or does it just transfer stuff? ( i have a western digital brand, is it any good or junk?) I am running on virtual memory, thus the reason for ordering the new computer as this one is several years old anyway. I know i can add some, but i figure once i get the new computer and wipe out everything on this one, it should run pretty good again. Actually we upped our internet speed the other day, and that has made a huge difference as well.