Armada 100S power problem

Hello everybody,
I have been using an Armada 100S model laptop for quite some time. I
have been using a proprietary AC/DC converter (not the original one
from Compaq fanufacturer) and as I was working the other day the
Windows system froze. This is something that happens often with
Windows 98. In order to reset the machine (I wasnt aware of a better
method for that yet) I unplugged the power cord and the system shut
down. After I replugged it, the system wouldnt power on again. Note
that also the battery of the laptop is out of order and until and I
am waiting for a replacement. Until then I had been working only with

power from the AC adapter.
I have the following questions:
1) What you think might have caused this incident and the system
stopped being generated? Is it perhaps the internal voltage board
damaged in any sort?
2) What steps should I follow before getting into ordering a new
spare part from Compaq? Any troobleshooting tips?

Thanks in advance.