laptop screen problems

[jim76]

Question for the IT guys on here.

The Mrs switched on the laptop yesterday, but the screen wouldn't come on. It makes the windows boot up noises, but no picture.
I think the screen has a tiny flicker when turned on, as if the back light flashes for a split second.

I'm not sure if there is some kind of keyboard short cut to deactivate the screen, or if the graphics card has gone, or the screen knackered.

It's about 4 years old, a Dell inspiron 1520.

Probably needs updating anyway, but don't want to bin it if not necessary.

any ideas?

Ta