Beeping sound every 5 seconds, it won't turn on

"It sounds like something's going on with your RAM. When the computer has a RAM issue (like the RAM's failed, or the computer can't detect it, or it can detect it but it's an incompatible type), hitting the power button causes one or more beeps, sometimes accompanied by a blinking sleeplight:

Intel-based Mac Power On Self Test RAM error codes

One beep = no RAM installed. Have you been playing arond with RAM recently, or has the computer gotten knocked around?

The first thing to try is to reseat the RAM correctly:

Installing MacBook Core 2 Duo RAM

The process for installing/removing RAM on the earlier A1181 Core Duo MacBook is identical. I like to use a pink pencil eraser to rub the RAM contacts clean of scuzz, and use a soft, dry toothbrush to brush the rubber crumbs off the RAM contacts and clean the inside of the RAM socket. Then reinstall, reassemble and reboot, and see if anything changes.

If that doesn't work, the next step is to replace the RAM - preferably with sticks that you've seen working in another computer, so you can be sure they're good."

"If holding down the power button for longer than usual doesn't work, reset the PRAM.

At one time, resetting the PRAM was the most recommended option for restoring an Apple, but judging from the literature that doesn't seem to be the case now. Nevertheless, it is a procedure that still works.

Hold down the Command, Option, and R keys with your left hand, and press the P key and Power key with your right all at one time. You should hold it until you hear the start chime twice (though sometimes this doesn't happen) and give your computer a chance to reboot. It will take longer than normal because you are resetting the start-up settings to factory defaults.

If resetting the PRAM doesn't work you've got serious problems that require a service visit to your local Apple store especially if your skill set does not include hardware repair.

Having to resort to resetting the PRAM too many times indicates other problems, such as a need to replace your internal battery,

Good Luck,

Mac user since the 80's."

Where is the RAM in the mackbook ? My best friend is having the same problem but the laptop told her to restart it so she did and when she tried to power it on it started to beep 12 seconds apart and the white light button had the same rythm with the beeping she needs help with it, answers?

"What MacBook do you have? The single beeping means the computer has failed the POST thanks to no RAM or no RAM being detected.

Faulty RAM would result in 3 beeps."