Digital Camcorder Problems

Hey man, I see you make alot of posts on this board. My dad recently gave me his Sony Handycam TRV-250, which only used about 3 or 4 times. When I goto turn the thing on, all the comes up is the black screen. We thought maybe the batteries were the problem, but it still comes up with just the blank black screen, but the time and everything else comes up. Also, VCR mode works perfectly on the camera. Is there a setting that is messed up, or is there a serious internal problem. It has been kept in its case for about 2 years, so hit me up with what you think is wrong if you could please. Thanks. Oh ya , my email is adam__k_@hotmail.com thanks.