Dell inspiron 1501 caps-lock and scroll-lock flashing

Caps lock flashing indicates faulty memory - it's a POST (Power On Self Test) before BIOS executes. When memory is removed it should indicate "no memory". Carefully re-insert the RAM memory module, check the tiny contacts inside the connector on dust. Then try again.

If there are 2 memory banks (1 one the back, the other under keyboard) remove one RAM memory module.

If capslock keeps on flashing test it with another RAM module.

make bios recovery cd o rfloppy from dell official site

Did you try to use external monitor (plug to the port VGA output) ? if you can see something on the external monitor, should be problem with the small monitor switch (when you close your notebook then become standby an monitor blank)

Your memory chips are loose. remove and reinsert them. That flashing is an error code, indicating no memory. unless someone stole your chips from you, they are merely loose.

click here to find the details.

you may also like to click here

i cant if my mute botton it all was say mute of and i cant hear anything

sounds like you have a defective logic board now, if dell doesn't want to replace it under warranty, there are laptop repair places that do it, but you have to have to weigh your options with buying a new laptop, repair could be up to 50% of what your's is worth as a 2nd hand laptop. if you're extremely tech savy you can try to do the replacement yourself, there are guides if you use search engines i'm sure something will show up for this or a similar model, mobo will be on ebay.

While I am not familiar with this model, I would start by turning the laptop over, and gently tapping the bottom, to get any crumbs and other garbage out of the depth of the keyboard. There may be something stuck down at the bottom of the caps lock key which is causing this to happen when you boot up.

Try removing one of the two memory SODIMMS under the cover on the bottom of the unit. It sounds like you could have a bad memory problem that is keeping the machine from completing the POST (power on self test). I'd try one stick at a time and see if that helps.
Good luck, please rate this solution if you feel it has helped!!

The 3 LED's (Num Lock, Caps Lock, Scroll Lock) are used by Dell to diagnose no-post issues such as yours. The only error code close to yours is [Num Lock ON, Caps Lock FLASHING, Scroll Lock ON]. This indicates a a memory error. Try reseating the memory modules. If you have 2 memory modules, insert one at a time to determine the faulty module.