had you gone to windows updates and got the multitude of updates you would need after using recovery material to re install windows? If not that is probably what happened it started trying to download and install all those many updates and it locked it up. You may have even needed service pack 2 and 3 with a unit that old. plus of course all your antivirus programs etc would be trying to update also. It is always best when doing that kind of recovery where you will be very very far behind in windows updates to turn off automatic updates and go manually to windows update and first get your service packs in order and be absolutely sure to reboot the computer after each service pack, then get any remaining updates. I usually suggest getting them in small batches and creating a restore point before each service pack and before each batch of updates. Should something go wrong you have a good restore point to return to.

Well if the mobo was replaced a month ago we should be able to eliminate Frys. Did you remove the left side panel and see if the fan over the CPU heatsink was spinning? If you are comfortable inside the case then remove the power cord from the back of the tower, remove the side again and look to see if the heatsink is fastened tightly to the CPU. Rest an arm on the metal case while gently trying to move the heatsink. Strangely I recently read an article about a broken heatsink retaining bracket. If the heatsink is loose this could well cause the computer not to start as the built in safety factor will kick in preventing you from burning out the CPU or processor. While you are inside take a look at the 20 or 24 pin power connector coming from the power supply to the motherboard to ensure that is seated and the retaining clip is in place. Restart with the side off to watch the fan plus see if the LED lights on the front of the case light up at all.

Nicki, I have the same prob since the Dell man was here and had it all apart. I tried the paperclip trick the other day (at Bob's suggestion). With a few attempts and holding my mouth just right, I got it open several times. Now this evening even that does not work. I just tried fruit's suggestion above. It opens one of the drives, but not the problem one. I tried pushing the button, and then pressing in a bit on the drive while it is attempting to open. Sometimes it opens, and sometimes not, but will open then with no problem the next time I push the button. Just keep fiddling with it, and I think you will get the knack of it. Do you feel comfortable with taking the side off of it? I'm going to take the side off of mine now and see what that does. brb Sue...off to tear up/down her computer

The most likely cause is that the disc isn't bootable or has been damaged. I'm assuming the CD drive works? Do you see any indication (lights, sounds) that the drive is attempting to read the disc?