Screen seems dead, but comes alive once in ...

 Sounds like it is a problem with the backlight. Or the switch controlling the backlight.

yep its either a dead inverter or you need a new ccfl(the bulb)the bulbs are cheap but installing them is tricky-and new inverters are expensive and usually not common(best to get then by dead mans shoes)

If the screen comes back on momentarly after pressing the lid switch, usually indicates a problem with the lcd inverter. Not knowing the Acer models at all, the inverter could be located under the removable LCD mask on cover or in front of the keybd. Quite often by reseating the inverter plug in connections several times, it will clean off a film that might be causing a poor connection. If this is a temporary fix you may need to have the lcd inverter replaced.