There's something funny going on with my laptop. I used to be able to play all games on it, fine, but this has proved less so recently. Even with an external DVD drive, the Autorun just won't run fully (my in-computer one is DVD RW/R), although the hourglass appears and slows everything down until I shut off the computer. Sometimes my computer is even slow at recognising DVDs. It didn't use to be like this; I bought the computer in early October 2005. Also, a month ago my computer ran on battery power till it ran out, as I didn't have the plug-in with me. I inserted it, but now the computer won't recognise the battery, and shuts itself down the moment I disconnect it from a plug.

Have you tried just using AC power? Or a new battery? "So won’t you give this man his wings What a shame To have to beg you to see We’re not all the same What a shame" - Shinedown

There's little point in it being a laptop if I'm unable to move it anywhere. And a new battery really is not in the picture for me, as I live in a different country now and am in full-time college and not able to afford a new battery. The DVD-drive issue bugs me more.

You're caught between a Rock and a hard place. If you can't afford a new Battery, you'll just have to call it a Mini Desktop. You can move it from Desktop to Desktop as long as there's an AC plug close by. Kinda pointless attatching an External DVD when you have a DVD drive built in. There is nothing to learn from someone who already agrees with you.

It's not portable unless the battery is good. Did you make sure the battery was completely charged before trying to run on it? You didn't answer my question about whether or not it runs on A/C power alone. "So won’t you give this man his wings What a shame To have to beg you to see We’re not all the same What a shame" - Shinedown

Yes, it does run on A/C power alone, even though the battery is inserted; whenever the power's cut off, the computer shuts off The funny thing is, the computer just didn't seem to start charging the battery again. I've taken it to a manufacturer and they tell me the battery's dead. Hopefully my warranty will cover it.