Hello, I'm trying to fix an older computer that all of a sudden decided not to boot up. Here's the deal: I turn it on, the power-on LED lights up, fans power-up, but that's it. Also, a constant clicking noise is coming from somewhere, but I have no idea where. My initial thought was the HDD, but it still clicks when I disconnect or replace it. Then I thought maybe the CD drives, but they also aren't the problem. After searching online, I was led to the PSU, but after replacing that I get the same problem. I also thought maybe the cpu fan was the cause of the clicking, but I briefly powered-up w/o the fan connected and it still clicked. I was finding some mention of beep codes online, but this is more of a click than that annoying, loud beep. I've never heard a beep out of this computer though, mainly b/c it's not mine. I don't see a speaker in it though... Also, I've troubleshooted as much as possible. Reseated all connectors, no burn marks anywhere, etc. I'm at a loss. Any ideas? Thanks, Brian

Some MBoards have a speaker that is built onto the board. About 1/2 inch in dia. and black with a hole in the center. I don't think what you are hearing is the onboard speaker though from how you describe the sound.

You're exactly right -- I found the small speaker but as you suspected, not where the noise is coming from. Thank you though.

Possibly a floppy drive or case fan? Could be a case fan in the lower front of the case in a fan cage. If it is a fan that probably isn't the reason the computer won't boot. Try isolating the sound by using tubing of some sort with one end by your ear and the other by various components. Gift wrap tubes work as does a piece of hose. What is the frequency of the clicking sound (how often)?

Hill, Thanks for your response. Using tubing to isolate the sound was a great idea. To my surprise, I'm fairly confident the sound IS actually coming from the speaker. I'd still define it as a click, about 3 times per second. Does that lead to a blown motherboard issue? And would it be worth replacing one on an older computer? Thanks again, Brian

Could be a resource conflict. There is an option in the BIOS called "reset configuration data" Try enabling that for one boot cycle ONLY(change back). That will allow the IRQs to be rearranged.

Hill, I was able to find an equally old computer that wasn't working, swapped in my HDD, PSU, etc, and got that working. Not a perfect solution, but good enough for my needs. Thanks for all your help, Brian