Stuck pinwheel/beachball and other coinciding issues

Question

I've recently run into a major problem on my 2006 Macbook Pro.  Soon upon booting to the desktop in Snow Leopard, the mouse icon changes to the spinning pinwheel/beachball as if waiting on a process to complete.  I can open programs from the task panel, such as Office or the calendar, but the pointer icon remains stuck as a pinwheel.  I am unable to open any drop-down menus from the top such as Finder, and can't get Force Quit to open.  Additionally, the Snow Leopard partition of the computer seems to be unable to establish an internet connection.  There is a list of the usual networks detected, however trying to connect under each one yields a "little or no connectivity" alert.  Oddly though the other partition on my computer (Windows 7) has no issues with connecting, as I typed this question out using the same computer under Windows.  Finally, I cannot get the computer to shut down in Snow Leopard, neither by going to Finder nor by tapping the power button, and I have to hold down the power button to do so.

Answer 1

If you want to replace your battery you can get one fairly cheap on eBay http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=aluminum+macbook++battery+A1280&_sacat=0&_od kw=aluminum+macbook++battery+A1278&_sop=12&_osacat=0
Or for $129 from Apple http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB771LL/A/rechargeable-battery-13-inch-macbook -aluminum
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008)
Removing the battery:
Shut down the computer. Disconnect any cords connected to the computer.
Turn the computer over.
Locate the access door latch.
Push down to release the latch, this sets it in the open position, and remove the access door that covers the battery.    
With the latch still in its open position, gently pull up on the battery tab to remove the battery.
Note: The latch must be in its released, open position to remove or replace the battery and access door.
Installing the battery:
To replace the battery, make sure the latch is in its open position.
Hold the battery at an angle and slide the lipped edge of the battery below the brackets on the outside edge of the battery bay. Gently press the battery down.
To replace the access door:
Line the access door up with the bottom case and the tabs in the battery bay.
Lower the access door into place.
Make sure it is level with the bottom case of your MacBook.
Press the latch into place, so it is in the closed position.