My computer was shut down when my house lost power.  I cannot get the machine restarted.  When I cut the power on, I can only see the emachine logo.  I'm trying to get into safe mode, but I've TRIED pushing F5, F8, F12, and esc key, but nothing.  Esc and F12 result in a message telling me to wait, but nothing.  I've unplugged the power, tried holding down the power button, etc., and still nothing.

Does anyone have any suggestions?I'm guessing you are running Vista or Windows 7. Try booting to the OS DISC and choosing startup repair options.Yes I am running Windows 7.  I have the recovery disk that I made when I purchased the computer, but cannot access the disk.  What else should I do to gain access to the disk or get the machine to go to another screen?Have you set the CD as 1st boot device in the BIOS ? ?
I cannot get to any screen BEYOND the emachine logo to change it.  Any suggestions how to get there.  Are there any F-key COMBINATIONS that I'm no aware of? After reading several post in this forum, I REMOVED the battery and power cord.  That was the trick.  I was able to access via safe mode and now scanning system for any problems.