Miscellaneous laptop discussions : Possible RAM battery problem

Possible RAM battery problem

Hi there. I have a Gateway 600YGR laptop, formerly XP Pro, now nothing. While trying to do a fresh install to address a freezing-up problem, I discovered that it consistently froze up during the install. Researched that, found a common 600YGR problem was overheating due to heat sink posts coming loose. Okay, so I fixed that, I think. I put it back together and it now it won't start at all. Power makes the hard drive light come on momentarily, then it's nothing but fan noise. Not a flicker on the screen.

It behaved like this before. One day, about a year ago, it just stopped working in the same way it's not working now. On a whim, months later, I tried to turn it on, and it worked. However, it would only then work when plugged in. The battery won't take a charge at all. None. Not a half-second's worth to cover a jiggled power cord.

But first things first: I'd like to get it to run, period. Other sites suggest that the problem may be the CMOS battery. I have a good other candidate: after I put it back together, I found a loose piece on the outside that looks kinda like two watch batteries wrapped in a tight sack, with a little wire coming off of it. I'm trying not to be profane here.

Assuming this loose piece came from my laptop and not my bag o' tools and parts, might it be a RAM battery? I've only recently heard of them. If so, could anyone give me a hint as to where on the motherboard I should look for a connection?

If the RAM battery solution seems off-base to you, please offer any suggestions you have.

Thanks very much.