my macbook will not start up!

[rightherbert]

my first post so please be gentle.
I have been given a macbook as a present from my brother-in-law that he no longer needs, trouble is after 2 months with me it not working!! when I press the start button the light comes on and the disk drive makes a sound but the screen wont work, and it makes no sound.
whats wrong

 

[SwampWitch]

Just in case your computer isn't shut down and is frozen, hold down the power key for eight seconds, wait twenty seconds and try starting it back up.