How do I retrieve data from Macbook that will not turn on?

My 17" laptop stopped turning on. I can hear it booting up with its bong but the screen stays black. If I press the keys, I get a weird plink plink sound. I updated to Snow Leopard about a year ago.
MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

You can take the computer to your local Apple Store/AASP and get free diagnostic tests and an estimate for repair.
As far as retrieving data, you might be able - if your hard drive isn't dead - to purchase a USB enclosure for the drive - such as this one - and connect it to your repaired Mac or to another Mac. If the drive is damaged, you may not be able to recover the data or you may have to use a utility such as DiskWarrior to even try to recover your data.
Good luck,
Clinton

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