Computer failure after trying a start-up, I received 1 "whir" noise

I was taking apart an old computer to stick in what was supposed to be my new Aspire case (instead got scammed by Phoenix), so I decided just to put the computer back together. After it looked like everythign was set, I plugged the tower into a nearby plugin and the computer gave a whir like noise, as if it was starting up.

When I went to push the power button it does nothing. If I can I'll try to get you guys the specs of this thing (P3 for sure), so for now can you think of any common issues?

Edit: http://support.gateway.com/support/srt/docs.asp?sn=0017706701

That is the link to the computer's specs. So far the only idea's I have heard is the PSU. The only problem is that I can't try a different one because I don't have a spare one atm.

 

Does your power supply at least start up?

 

No now nothing makes a sound, but the first time I think the whir noise might have come from the PSU when I plugged everything in.

 

Make sure power is getting to the PC, so recheck the power cord, the on/off switch on the back of the case, voltage settings and power strip/wall outlet.
Is the LED on the motherboard on? Just to rule out the case front power switch you can remove the two pronged wire to the motherboard and place a small screwdriver accross the pins.

If none of this works you will have to try another power supply.

 

Ok, I do not see a LED light on the motherboard anywhere. Is it just something with stock computers because my Dell doesn't have a visible one either. When I plugged the power into a different outlet the whir noise came again. Unpluged it, replugged it but no noise. So I moved it back to the original outlet and I get the whir noise once. Also I'm not sure exactly what to do with the screwdriver part :S

 

The shorting of the power pins is a way of bypassing the switch on the front of the case to make sure that's not the problem. Follow the wire from the front case switch to where it attaches to the motherboard. Remove the wire and placed a small screwdriver blade accross the two pins where the wire was connected.

Probably the next thing to try is a new power supply. Remember you may not be able to use a standard ATX type power supply with the Dell.

 

Well, about that Dell power supply part, why was it included when we are talking about a Gateway? When I talked about the Dell before it was that there was no motherboard LED on it. Ok, not sure if I will have time tonight but if there are any other ideas please keep suggesting.

 

Sorry I read your system instead of the one you are working on

 

Ok the screwdriver idea worked, but now is there anyway to permantly correct this? For now it isn't that big of an issue, but I just want to hear your ideas.

 

If the screwdriver worked and your system is on and running then your power switch on the front of the case is bad. Most large computer stores or a repair shop probably have something you could use as a replacement. If you're in the US Radio Shack will have switches but they most likely won't fit cleanly into the same spot on the case.

As a temporary fix, use the wires from the reset switch and put them on the power pins on the motherboard. Your reset switch/ button becomes the power switch.

 

"As a temporary fix, use the wires from the reset switch and put them on the power pins on the motherboard. Your reset switch/ button becomes the power switch."

Exactly where would the wires from the reset switch be located because I'm not familar with these directions.