Can't Get Mac Mini to turn on - no screen, no beep, only the fan, power light, and optical drive noise

Question

I have an Intel-based Mac mini mid-2007 (Model A1176). This is the computer my kids use so I don't use it regularly. The computer had been working fine until one day my kids told me that it no longer works. The computer will not boot up. When I turn it on the fan turns, the white power light in the front turns on, and there is a sound that appears to be from the optical drive (rather than hard drive). I don't get anything to the monitor, nor do I get any dings or other start up sounds from the computer.

Here is what I've tried thus far to no avail: 1) Swapped out the monitors early on since I figured that was my weak link - no change 2) Reset the PMU - no change 3) Tried to boot up from the System Disk - The mini loaded the dvd into the drive, but nothing else (I can't eject the disk so I can put it back) 3) Start up the computer in target mode connected to another mac - I tried this too, but I never received a chime or the disk show up on the other mac.

I'm about out of ideas apart from scraping the computer. Does anyone have any ideas that I can try? Again, nothing has been done to the computer in at least 6 months when I upgraded the RAM. I'm also still on Leopard. Thanks.

Solution

I know this is an old post, but one side issue you mentioned re: not being able to eject your DVD. If you hold down the mouse button while booting, an eject command is sent. This is a holdover from floppy disk days, but it still works with DVDs and CDs on the latest Macs.

Comments

[Admin]

I did, but no luck. I'm beginning to think that somehow the MB went out. Thanks.

[Admin]

I'm afraid you may be right on the PS or MB. It's out of warranty so it's probably not worth it to send to Apple. I have Apple Care for my main machines, but I didn't bother with the Mac Mini. Oh well... at least it's not my Mac Pro :)

[BmB]

Thanks for the key combo idea. I finally broke down and took the computer to the Apple Store. Dead Logic Board was the verdict.

[David]

Oh, well glad that you got the problem figured out. Sorry, but I can't help you with a hardware problem because I have never actually had a mac break myself. Are you under warranty?