Computer worked fine last time i used it about 2 months ago, now it will not power up, any suggestions? compaq armada e500

I've found it is highly unlikely to run an old DOS program in Win2000 so I have decided to setup an old computer with Win 3.1 and use it for my DOS software.

First, try the external drive in some other "recent" computer.
Use the other computer to "format" the disk-space,
and thus make an "empty" partition. Then, reconnect it to your computer, and see if the total capacity of the drive has been detected.

According to the manufacturer's web-site:

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareIndex.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodNameId=96717&prodSeriesId=96231&swLang=8&taskId=135&swEnvOID=1093

this computer dates from 2001/2002. So, the claim of a maximum of 32GB probably is correct -- drives larger than 32GB were either not-available, or were prohibitively-expense, nearly 10 years ago.

Download the latest BIOS-update from the above web-site, and CAREFULLY follow the instructions to update the BIOS.

However, you have not said what happens when you connect the external disk-drive, as a USB device. It *MIGHT* work "as is", i.e., without trying to update the BIOS.

most hp/compaq laptops will have memory slots located under the keyboard, and sometimes an additional memory slot accessed through a panel on the bottom of the notebook.
In your case, you have 2 memory slots located under the keyboard. Officially, this unit only supports up to 256 mb memory modules for a maximum of 512 MB of memory so if you already have that, be aware that larger capacity memory modules may not work.

the usb port of my hp Compaq Laptop nc6000 no longer works properly. whenever i insert a flash it says usb device not recognized.

You need to connect the power adapter and charge it for some time and check.

it burned out buy a new one

lol congrats! Have fun!

Check Compaq's support site for any driver or utilities download for the chip set.

it depends on the motherboard but i would say you can probably go to 2 gb ram. now the hard drive you can use any size you like. if you want to purchase this parts check out these stores and websites.
best buy
circut city
office depo
newegg.com

Besure all wires are connected to motherboard properly, and also be sure you LCD Lamp Is Not Going out (although, that shouldnt be happening if its only a year old)