Computer won't boot - stuck on underscore character with no beep codes

Question

I have a Gateway GT5628 Intel Core 2 Quad. It's been running fine for years. Recently it stopped booting. When I turn it on, I immediately get a single underscore (non-blinking) character on the screen, where it freezes.

• No BIOS screen of any sort displays.
• There are no beep codes
• Cannot boot to USB or DVD
• All fans seem to be running at appropriate speeds

I have done the obvious like re-seated all components, disconnected all peripherals and hard drives. I still can't get past the single underscore character. I have repaired countless PCs, and have never not seen any BIOS info before. Any ideas what to try next?

Solution

On a hunch, I rearranged the memory sticks into the opposite ports, and then back where they started, and now it boots fine! I did remove them and insert them firmly into the slots the first time. I'm not sure why it didn't work that time! Thanks for your help.

Comments

[henry700]

obvious man asks the obvious: do you have a pc speaker attached and if not, are you sure your MB emits audio via any onboard sound device? TLDNR; are you certain you would hear the beep codes if they existed?

[barlop]

could be your motherboard has died in that funny way. try changing the power supply.

[G-Man Says 'Reinstate Monica']

The question says "Cannot boot to USB or DVD".  How did your hard drive corruption cause that symptom?