Apple Mac G4 won't start

Hi,
3 days ago my Apple Mac G4 switched off without reason. I restarted it and got a warning that the date was wrong and it may affect programmes but before I had chance to do anything else, it switched off again. I haven't been able to switch it on since. The power light flashes on each time I press it (plus the screen light works too) but the computer doesn't start. Occasionally it makes some promising noises like it's about to start but then it cuts out again.
I have read the community and tried resetting PMU (turn power off, open side, remove battery etc) but it hasn't had an effect.
Any other recommendations? Please note that you are dealing with a complete novice here when it comes to troubleshooting computers!
James

My computer was working again yesterday. I pressed the power button and instead of silence I heard the drive running and then the Apple screen came on and, hey presto, it had started. There was a message about resetting the time and date (it was something like 1990) and also for some reason the screen was zoomed in 200%. I was on it for a few hours (in which time I quickly backed up all important files). Today I tried again and it switched on first time. I was on it for another two hours but suddenly without warning it switched off and once again I can't start it up. Each time I press the power switch it lights up but there is no sound from the drive.
I don't think overheating is the solution as it won't switch on even if I've left it unplugged overnight.
One piece of information that I didn't tell you is that I didn't use my Mac for several months prior to these problems. Several months ago it worked absolutely fine, then I went away for a few months and first time I used my Mac it cut off and then I couldn't boot up for a few days.

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