My MacBook won’t boot, no start chime, just the DVD spinning sound. What could be wrong?

You may be dealing with a hardware issue. Firstly, I’d suggest checking the power source and ensuring that your MacBook is connected to a functioning power outlet. Sometimes, a drained battery could prevent the MacBook from booting. If that doesn’t solve the problem:

1. Disconnect all external devices, such as USB drives, keyboards, or monitors. Sometimes, external devices can create conflicts during the boot process.
2. Try an SMC (System Management Controller) reset. Turn off your MacBook, then press and hold Shift + Control + Option on the left side of the built-in keyboard, then press the power button at the same time.
3. If the issue persists, it might be the logic board or another internal component that needs professional attention.

The absence of a start chime and the DVD drive spinning could indicate a deeper hardware malfunction. Given the symptoms, here are a few suggestions:

1. Reset the NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory). Shut down your MacBook, then turn it on while holding Option + Command + P + R for about 20 seconds.
2. Check the RAM modules. Sometimes, faulty or improperly seated RAM can prevent a MacBook from booting. Open the back cover of your MacBook and make sure the RAM sticks are correctly installed.
3. Inspect the hard drive. A failing hard drive might lead to boot issues and strange noises. You could try booting from an external drive to diagnose the problem.
4. Visit an Apple Store or an authorized service provider if the issue continues. It might require a detailed hardware inspection.

You might be dealing with a firmware or EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) issue. Try these steps:

1. Firmware Restoration: Create a bootable macOS installer on a USB drive and attempt to boot from it by holding the Option key while starting up. This can sometimes bypass firmware problems.
2. Check Display: Ensure that the display isn’t at fault, as a broken internal display might give the impression of no boot. Connect to an external monitor to check.
3. Professional Help: If you suspect it’s a firmware issue and the above doesn’t help, it’s best handled by Apple technicians who can reflash the firmware.

This kind of issue can be complex and may require intervention from Apple support to resolve.

Here are some quick steps that might help to diagnose and possibly fix your MacBook:

• PRAM/NVRAM Reset: Restart your MacBook while holding down Option + Command + P + R keys together. Keep holding until the second restart happens and you hear the chime.
• Safe Mode: Boot into Safe Mode by holding the Shift key while starting your Mac. This can bypass certain software issues causing the boot problem.
• Verbose Mode: Start in Verbose Mode by holding Command + V during boot to see any error messages that might give hints at what’s wrong.
• Apple Diagnostics: Run Apple Diagnostics by turning on your Mac and holding the D key. This will check for hardware issues.
• Replace the Battery: Sometimes replacing the battery can solve the problem, especially if it’s old and holds no charge.

If all else fails, taking your MacBook to a professional technician might be the best course of action.

Let me share a different approach that worked for me on a similar issue:

1. Disconnect the power adapter.
2. Remove the back cover of your MacBook and gently disconnect the battery.
3. Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds. This power drain can sometimes reset certain components.
4. Reconnect the battery and power adapter, then try turning on your MacBook.

This process can help correct minor power and hardware errors. If this doesn’t help, it’s time to get a professional involved.