SOS tones at start up on 2007 IMAC

Hoping someone can be of help. I purchased an IMAC for my children about 2 years ago. its been great. last night my wife shut it down - when I went to turn it on - it would not turn on. i immediately heard an SOS tone (3 short 3 long 3 short) each time i turned it on. The screen is black and i cannot access anything. i have looked at all of the suggestions in MAc Support and i cannot find anything that deals with this. is there anyone who can help a novice like me figure this out.
Many Thanks
Ned

Hi and Welcome to Apple Discussions ...
Below is a sumary on startup tones on Macintosh computers.
iMac (Mid 2007) and later model iMac computers, unlike other Macintosh computers, do not use the power LED to indicate there is an issue. iMac (Mid 2007) and later model iMac computers use tones instead.
Products Affected
iMac (20-inch, Mid 2007), iMac (24-inch Mid 2007), iMac (24-inch, Early 2008), iMac (20-inch, Early 2008)
The following table lists the new tones and their meaning:
Tone(s)
Description
1 tone, a 5-second pause, repeat
No RAM installed
3 successive tones, a 5-second pause, 3 successive tones
RAM does not pass data integrity check
1 long tone when holding down the power button
Firmware upgrade in process. See this article for more details.
3 long tones, 3 short tones, 3 long tones
Firmware restoration from CD in process.
Go here for more information. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2538
Carolyn

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SOS tones at start up on 2007 IMAC

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