IBM Thinkpad R51 won't boot -- help

[ptc24]

My brother had his IBM Thinkpad R51 charging overnight the other night. He had used it before he went to bed and it was functioning normally. However, when he returned from work the next day, his machine would not power on. Not even so much as the normal indicator light when the AC adapter is plugged in. External and internal inspection show no obvious signs of any issues, and he had done nothing leading up to this that should have caused such a problem. After some research on other Thinkpad models having issues with overcharged capacitors, I followed their instructions to discharge the capacitors with the power button. Didn't work......... the motherboard does not appear to be getting power.

So I guess the real question is.... what the heck is the matter with it????

Thanks in advance,

Patrick