I hit the power button, computer goes on like usual, then in a few seconds I hear a series of 3 or 4 beeps, then an error sound.  That's it.  The computer doesn't even get to the point of the boot process where it turns the monitor on.  Then it just sits there, still on, but not doing anything.  So I have to hit the power button to turn it off, and turn it back on, etc.  At first, I would only have to do that a few times before it would boot up.  Now, it doesn't want to boot up at all.  Once it does boot up, the computer works great, no problems.  Its only on restarts and when I turn it on.  Any HELP would be greatly appreciated.Often a series of 3 or 4 beeps is indicative of a video problem, check the cable connections to your monitor 1st.I disconnected the monitor from the computer and tried booting up, but it didn't make a difference.  If I have a video problem, should just disconnecting the monitor have a difference when booting up? or do I have to do something else.  Thanks for the help.Video problems indicated by BIOS beeps are not due to the monitor, they are due to the video CARD (inside the computer)How do I figure it out for sure?  Is there a cheap video card I can buy that will allow me to see if that's the problem?  Thanks for the help.How about some information on your computer?
Brand?  Model? Motherboard? Video Card? (on board video or via video card).

Open the computer and reseat the video card to start.  Might even want to blow some of the dust out of the slot too.You are right Gussery, because I'm sure I've had the beeps from an ill fitted video cable before I disconnected my cable and tried it... no extra beeps.
Maybe it varies with whatever MB is being USED, this was quite a few years ago.
Anyway, I guess we wait for a more detailed response.  
BTW, I managed to loose all my drivers by booting up without a monitor connected.   All is right now.It may very well be different with different motherboards Fed.  Now that you mention it I seem to vaguely remember an old Packard Bell 386 or 486 that did that.  (Of course it could just be the voices in my head playing tricks on me.)  

Schizophrenia MEANS never having to eat alone......   Sorry its taking me a long time to post replies, the nearest computer now is at the library, so I'm having to go back and forth from my house to the library.  Anyway, the computer is about 4.5 years old, its an HP 800mhz model 8360(?? not sure on this, I will double check)....I want to say the video card is an   nvidia(??)....once again tho, I'll have to double-check on that.  What does the video card look like inside so I can try and pull it, get rid of the dust and try again?  Thanks the help and I'll try to post replies a little sooner.....unfortunately this has been finals week for me in school, just about the worst time for my computer to take a crap.  Well, I have finally given up and scheduled an appt. to get it fixed by a professional.  I just don't have the time to attempt to fix it myself.  Thanks for all of your input though, I really appreciate it.  I'll post what the problem was after I get it fixed (hopefully) tomorrow.  Thanks again.