IBM thinkpad display there, but cant read it

[jascra]

I have an IBM thinkpad running WIn 98. All of the sudden, the flat panel display to the laptop is just about totally unreadable. If you look very carefully, you can see the icons, but cannot see a cursor for the mouse. If you don't look carefully, it appears that the display is black(but it is not). If I connect the laptop to an external display, it is fine. It seems like maybe there is a light under the screen that is not working. Has anyone had this happen before? Thanks

 

[fluxvoovoo]

More than likely you have a bad video inverter card. A new one can be found for around 70 dollars if you shop around on the net. Detailed instructions on it's replacement are available for download at IBM's support site. The card is probably under the LCD screen. Kinda tedious to get to, but not that bad.

 

[jascra]

Before I go out and order an inverter card...is there any other possible thing that is wrong? I opened up my laptop, and located the inverter card, so I know I can easily replace it. I just don't want to go spending the $77 for it to find out it is not the problem. Is there a bulb in there?

Thanks

 

[fluxvoovoo]

fraid not.