Dell Inspiron 1501 AC Adapter problem to the extreme

I recently acquired a used Dell Inspiron 1501 laptop, but it didn't have an AC adapter with it.

I purchased one that was supposed to fit this laptop online, and when I got it, we tried it out, but the laptop would only spin the fan for a sec, then it would be off.

Thinking it was the battery, I purchased a new battery for it, which is definitely the right battery.

Same thing happened, power for half a second, then nothing.

I noticed that the little charge lights on the battery do not ever blink, flash, or turn on in any way, no matter how long the charger remains plugged in. The charger itself, however, is on and working.

Therefore, I believe we got the wrong one. Furthering my hypothesis is the fact that the female port for the charger on the laptop has a hole in the middle with 4 tiny rectangle openings around it, all surrounded by the ring it slides into. However the charger we bought only has the long prong in the middle, and no tiny rectangle prongs surrounding it. It also slides out with the slightest movement.

I have looked all over the few online sites that I have used before, but I cannot tell if I'm finding the right charger or not. None of the pictures have a good view of the male connector. I don't want to run into the same problem when ordering another charger.

Please help, thanks

Any more details? Let me know.

You just made me realize that the battery is actually good. And that means the charger is good as well.

I have 3 led green lights lit up when pressing the test charge button, but the laptop does not turn on, therefore I have a feeling it has something to do with the laptop itself. It is past warranty so tech support chat wont be able to help. Please, help me resolve this problem?

I will try what you said, but in the meantime while waiting for me to test your theory, I would like to explain that when i hit the power button when the cord is plugged in and the battery is in (having three led green lights when tested), the caps lock, num lock, and other light on the laptop near the screen light up and the fan kicks for a split second, but it immediately stops.

If only the battery is in, the lights pop on and fan kicks for even a shorter time, like 5 miliseconds.

I dont know if that will help you help me lol. I will try what you said to do and respond in the morning.

Okay, a major update.

I have gone through every step possible to try and diagnose the problem, but to no avail.

I reseated the RAM in multiple combinations, no help. I removed the hard drive. I cant access the mainboard because there is a severely stripped screw holding it all together that i cannot get out.

I will explain the problem.

UI have a new battery, and a new charger. I left it plugged in for at least 24 hours.

When i press the power button while the battery is in the laptop, and the ac adapter is plugged into a good and tested socket, the fan whirs and kicks for a split second, and the status lights on the right side of laptop near the screen come on green. Then, less than a second later, the laptop dies.
Sometimes, the status light will flash amber three times, then die.

If the ac adapter is not in, the laptop barely flashes a green light for even less time, and the fan doesnt even kick on.

The battery is good, as well as the charger.

Help?