Laptop Won't "Start Up" ~ AC Adapter?

Please help ...

I can not get to the "Start Up" Menu on my Dell Inspiron 6000 Laptop (running Windows XP).

First, I was getting the following error message: The AC Power Adapter type cannot be determined. This will prevent optimal system performance. (Which made no sense, we have always used the AC Adapter that came with the laptop).

Then, a few days later, the battery appeared to die (if we unplugged the laptop, it would turn off instantly) ... by chance, it was part of the Dell Battery Recall so I removed it & I am waiting for a new one to arrive.

THE LAPTOP WORKED FINE FOR 2 DAYS, WITH NO BATTERY.

Now, when I turn the power on (still using the AC Adapter), I get the Dell Logo & the Windows XP Logo, but then I get locked up with the following error message:

STOP: c000007b {Bad Image}
The application or DLL \??\C:\WINDOWS\system32\basesrv.dll is not a valid windows image. Please check this against your installation diskette.

What's going on here???

Please advise.
Thank You!
~ Tammy