Why is my screen black at startup?

Check this and if it applies talk sweetly to an Apple Store geek that looks like he's only been kissed by his mother and get them to cover it.

The iMac G5 Repair Extension Program for Video and Power Issues applies to first generation iMac G5 computers that have video or power-related issues as a result of a specific component failure. If your iMac G5 is exhibiting any of the symptoms listed below and your computer’s serial number is within the noted ranges, your computer may be eligible for repair, free of charge.

If Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) determines that your iMac G5 computer is eligible as part of the program, the repair will be covered by Apple for up to two years from the original date of purchase even if your iMac G5 is out of warranty. This is a worldwide Apple program. Affected systems will exhibit one of the following video- or power-related symptoms: Scrambled or distorted video No video No power

Which iMac G5 computers are affected by the iMac G5 Repair Extension Program for Video and Power Issues? The program is available for certain first generation iMac G5 models that were sold between approximately September 2004 and June 2005 featuring 17- and 20-inch displays with 1.6GHz and 1.8GHz G5 processors.

The affected iMac G5 computers have serial numbers where the first 5 digits fall into the ranges noted below. Serial Number ranges: W8435xxxxxx – W8522xxxxxx QP435xxxxxx – QP522xxxxxx CK435xxxxxx – CK522xxxxxx YD435xxxxxx – YD522xxxxxx Some second generation iMac G5 computers have serial numbers that fall within the upper band of the ranges listed below. Only first generation iMac G5 computers are affected by this program.