Head Scratcher...

It seriously drives me crazy when I can't find a resolution to a problem.  I've been working on a computer the last couple of days that has me pretty much ready to go the nut house.  They dropped it off for me saying that it wouldn't turn on...ok, so a couple of things were coming to mind before I even looked at it.  I brought it home...guess what? It. Turned. On... BUT, not for long.  I've tried this and that, and I have managed to figure out a way to get it to power on, but it's not something I would call a "solution".  To get the stupid thing to power on I have to remove it from power, remove the CMOS battery (it helps keep date, time and other information), leave the battery out for a little bit, replace the battery, plug it back in and VIOLA!...It works...until you have to unplug it or the power goes out.  Seriously?  Does it have to be such a pain in my a--?  The issue is getting to the point where it's beyond my expertise...and it's driving me c-r-a-z-y.  I wish I had the crystal ball that would tell me if it was something simple or something major.  Had the thing never powered on in the first place I would have written it off as "dead" before now, but NO, it has me thinking there's hope for it yet!

(This desktop is the source of my craziness right now.  The Dell Dimension E520...)

(...and just by removing this small little backup battery, it will fix the problem AND make it more confusing all at the same time...)

I'll be glad when the solution hits me...or the ability to admit defeat...whatever comes first!