The way you describe it, it's definitely a hardware problem. Then you should have your computer repaired. The only thing you can try yourself, if the machine lets you do it in its current state: go into the BIOS and set it to its defaults. But somehow I don't think that's the cause of the problems.
It's could only be a Windows 98 problem, if the normal boot up messages appeared the screen up to and including "verifying DMI data pool" and "starting Windows 98". But your description makes me think that's not the case.
Kees
I am having a problem with my computer. It is an hp pavillion desktop, about 3 years old. I tried to turn in on, and it begins to start up then clicks off. Now it just clicks off and soon as I turn it on. Please help!

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