Early 2006 iMac Kernel Panics on startup

Question

We have recently purchased a second hand 20" iMac, and after a few days it has started to kernel panic on startup, before the Apple logo disappears. A whirring when it begins to turn on has also appeared.
I shall photograph the kernel panic message if it helps. The local Apple Store have suggested that since there is a greater time period before the Apple Logo appears, the fault might be something to do with the motherboard/hard drive. Are there any suggestions here which may help us?
Thank you.

Answer 1

KimGale wrote:
The kernel panic occurs before I can log in.
here's some to read up on:
_*Resolving Kernel Panics*_ and here _*http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2546*_.
for OS X 10.6 specifically, see this: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.6/en/8965.html.
also
_*What is a kernel panic*_,
_*Technical Note TN2063: Understanding and Debugging Kernel Panics*_,
_*Mac OS X Kernel Panic FAQ*_,
and
_*Tutorial: Avoiding and eliminating Kernel panics*_
The disk is in there, and now we can't get it out
FWIW,
Kappy wrote:
Five ways to eject a stuck CD or DVD from the optical drive
Ejecting the stuck disc can usually be done in one of the following ways:
1. Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the left mouse button until the disc ejects.
2. Press the Eject button on your keyboard.
3. Click on the Eject button in the menubar.
4. Press COMMAND-E.
5. If none of the above work try this:
Open the Terminal application in your Utilities folder. At the prompt enter or paste the following:
/usr/bin/drutil eject.
If this fails then try this:
Boot the computer into single-user mode. At the prompt enter the same command as used above. To restart the computer enter "reboot" at the prompt without quotes.
JGG