If dead with no BIOS the prognosis can be grim. I start with the usual reset noted in the CNET Laptop Forum at http://www.cnet.com/forums/post/30c241c5-dd8b-4d73-b08d-c6e15897fe5f/

Then I move on to remove what I can to see if other parts are holding the machine back (ODD, HDD, pare it down to 1 stick RAM.) If nothing it's usually the mainboard too many times. Repair is usually not a good RTOI. That is, I can get a new laptop for the price of most mainboards and labor.

The DV line you noted is not to be repaired. Even those that do what you read won't warrant the work. My clients want a warranty.