CPU problem/Thermal problem

EDIT: problem fixed. go away.

Shortly after I installed a new DVD drive (old one died on me D:<), my computer started to become slow. Didn't move anything around (exception being some screws around the motherboard), everything was connected correctly. The speed after installing the drive was horrible, I would lag even on Starcraft. I checked my graphics card with nvidia nTune, everything seemed normal so I determined it had to be my CPU.

I did the usual and ran anti-virus, spyware stuff, etc. I found nothing. I ran Everest (actually it was a similar program, can't remember the name) and it showed my CPU was running at the correct temperature and that the speed was consistent. Despite that, my CPU usage would fluctuate from 0% to 100%, while streaming videos, running Starcraft/other games, or even just idling. So before completely ruling out a virus I formatted my HD and booted up with a clean install of both Vista, then XP. Still my CPU would fluctuate like crazy while barely doing anything. Did a bit of searching and it either could have been something I did to the motherboard, so I opened up my computer and took everything apart and put it back together in hopes of fixing the problem. This only made it worse as whenever I start the computer I get 4 long beeps and a thermal error. I of course check to see if my fans are running and connected, they are. After about 50 seconds of running they shut off and my computer shuts down. Is there any way to know if my fans are getting detected? I've read somewhere that if the motherboard doesn't detect the fans the BIOS shuts down the computer, any truth to that?

So now, I can't even get on my computer (on a laptop, getting my backup running in a bit) without it turning off after a few seconds. No idea if this is linked to my CPU error, as this happened once before (blamed it on poor ventilation on my part). I have no way to check it if is now until I get it up and running again, and can only give you what information I remember.

So, any ideas what is causing this thermal error, and any idea what was up with my CPU before?

I have an eMachines W3609, with added 2GB RAM, 8400GS, and 500watt power supply. Also the replacement DVD drive (exact same as my old one, except for that lightscribe shit).

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Originally Posted by Darc

Well, it could be you don't have enough power because you have a weak PSU. But i'm running way more potent hardware on a 500W PSU and no issues so let's rule that out. You could also need to put thermal grease in the processor,that's most likely the issue. It could had been static electricity in your hands that messed up the MOBO but that's unlikely to happen.

Maybe the DVD drive is defective or you didn't connect it properly. Those white connectors always confuse me :p.

EDIT:

****! I just remembered! How long have you had the computer? Have you ever switched a round battery it has, also used in clocks? It's on your MOBO, on the right bottom corner (Usually). It could cause the issue, I think my first PC had a similiar problem.

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I'm sure the DVD drive is not defective as I burned some backup DVDs before these thermal errors started happening. I've had this computer for about a year and have never replaced the battery you are talking about.

I'll look into purchasing some of that grease. Right now I plan on rechecking the fans and possibly replacing one of them with a spare I have lying around. I have a feeling it's the motherboard causing the problems though, as both fans keep going and only stop when the entire rig shuts down. I can salvage the HD, RAM, DVD drive and Graphics Card. I just hope it doesn't have to come to that.

Also, D:<