Can't get my laptop to charge

[Mom2CrazyKids]

Hi,

I am not sure what to do. I have a Gateway laptop that won't charge most of the time. I am 99% sure it is not the actual charger since I bought a new one and it still won't charge most of the time. The only way I can get it to charge is to pull the cord fairly tight against the computer and then put a book on it. I think it is the little hole thing on the back of the laptop that the charger plugs in to. I can't for the life of me think what that little hole is called!! Anyway, it is under warrenty, but since it is a US computer I would have to pay to have it sent there, plus all the time it will take with shipping and getting it fixed. It is the only computer we have right now.

We called a computer helpline here (Scotland), and they said all they would do is send it to the US to get it fixed so there is no point on taking it some place here.

Is there a way to replace that little hole thing on my own? Probably not huh? What about getting a charger that I can take the battery out of my computer, and plug it into the charger (like a stand alone one)? Or should I just buy a new laptop and get this one fixed when I move back home in December?

Thanks,
Cari

[Computwiz]

Sounds to me as though your PSU has buggered

If you can't put it in without having something to push against it would indicate to me that the connect is loosey, Do you get an eletric crackiling sounds when trying to to get it to connect??

Computwiz

[windowsvista]

Possibly a powersupply/motherboard faliure.

[carl97]

It is deffinetly the Power Jack in the Laptop,
I get a Lot of Gateway computers with this problem
I can do this repair for you very good and cheap including warranty for the UK.

I still need to confirm with you that it is the only problem but that wont be a problem to diagnose. Check out the Diagnostics page at Home