Dead dell
 

Monster just tried to use her old laptop and it seams dead.

with the mains plugged in, battery or no battery, when you hit the power button it lights up, and the power light on the front, for about 30 seconds then goes off, doesn't really make any other noises or actions.

smells suspiciousl;y of burning electronics below the screen.

Any diagnostic thoughts, I tried unplugging everything and holding the power button for 30 seconds.

Cleanse it with FIRE!!! It sounds like it already started the processes recycle it. W got our laptop at Pawn America for $200.00 and it works fine.