She isn't just validating the HD?
Is it large (the HD)? If it is it might take a while to validate it. (If she is validating the HD will make the usual noise while accessing the disk)
Other than that you can try to boot it with a floppy, and try some HDtools and DiskSalv.
My thoughts are with you in this rough time... :-)
(Ok, I stopped thinking about you now :-D)
