dropped computer won't stay on

My laptop fell about 18 inches onto carpet and since then will come on and stay on as long as the bottom isn't touched or "jiggled". Though it was just a bad battery connection but that didn't make a difference. The computer is about 4 years old...dell. Would like to fix it instead of getting a new one!
Any help?
rach

 

You should check the DC jack connection. Try moving it and see if your computer shuts off.

 

moving the jack doesnt change anything. The computer will stay on until we touch it any place on the bottom...any other ideas?

 

The only thing that touching the bottom can do is move the insides. The best I can tell you to do is open up the laptop and do a visual inspection. See if there are any cracks or burn spots.

 

Thank you...turned out to be a loose memory card...