Computer shuts down while starting up

Question

I have a 400 MHz iMac, not sure what model exactly it is, but when I try to start it up, it turns on and makes the classic OS X starting up noise. The light on the power button turns on, the caps lock light on the keyboard flashes on, and you can hear the cd drive start to boot when all of a sudden the whole computer turns off.
I made sure the socket i was plugged into wasn't shorting out or anything, i also checked to make sure the ram was in there properly, but i can't think of anything else to check. So does anyone have any idea what may be happening?

Answer 1

EthanD...
The symptoms you describe sounds like the Flyback went out (PAV Board). You seem to get past the POST (Power On Self Test), as the keyboard light flashes, just to loose it on monitor startup. That is the last item of the self-protect cycle and down it goes.
Unfortunately unless you know how to do the work, that is extremely dangerous, it is an expensive professional repair.
...Ron