The TechGuys : Notebook battery does not charge

Problem or Symptom

The notebook's battery appears to be completely flat and does not charge up. Symptoms may include:

the battery appears not to charge, even after several hours connected to mains power
the battery charge light doesn't light up
Windows reports that the battery is not charging
The battery has no power and the PC immediately shuts down when disconnected from mains power

Cause

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If a battery runs completely flat, it can not safely be charged at the normal rate. In this situation, the battery is put into a "protected mode", where it will only accept a trickle charge for a number of hours (typically 3-6 hours).
Whilst in "protected mode", the battery may appear not to be charging. The exact symptoms will vary by model.

Once the battery has trickle charged up to a normal level, it will come out of "protected mode" and normal charging resumes.

Notes:
Computers continue to draw a small amount of power from the battery, even if they are switched off.

In addition, batteries will gradually loose their charge over time.

So if a battery is left uncharged for an extended period of time, it will eventually run completely flat.

This situation commonly occurs on brand new notebooks, which have been shipped by sea and may have been on the shelf in store for a number of weeks.
The situation can also arise if customers do not use their notebook for an extended period of time.

Solution(s)

The battery should be left on continuous charge for 12 hours on first use, or after an extended period without use.

You can use your notebook without problem during this initial charging period, since it will be powered from the mains AC adaptor.

Do not be concerned if the battery does not appear to charge initially.

If the battery fails to charge after 12 hours, then please complete standard diagnostics on the battery, including:

Remove the battery and refit it to check that is seated correctly
Check if the notebook manufacturer has a battery testing utility

Additional Notes

To ensure your notebook's battery has the optimal life it is recommended that you frequently perform a full discharge/ charge cycle.