RAM won't recognize...

Hi...

I have an HP Pavilion 6736 at work, it has *choke* _64MB_ of RAM. I am trying to upgrade RAM, and have tried 3 times. It will not recognize ANY new RAM stick in ANY configuration. I tried both slots. I tried different brand names (all listed in the HP document as tested in Pavilions), I tried 128MB, 256MB and 512MB, I tried pairing, not pairing, everything.

The last time I tried I took the tower to the seller of the RAM to have them install it. I have been to the HP Customer Care website and printed the "How To Upgrade RAM" document. I am positive I am using the correct RAM. The document said it will take PC100 or PC133 and listed acceptable brand names.
The guy at the store said he has never seen anything like it. The ONLY RAM the MB will recognize is that dang 64MB stick.

When I try to boot I get BIOS beeps indicating there is no RAM (1-3-3-1). It doesn't go past that.

Once, with a single PC100/128MB stick I got it to begin to boot - then I got shell32 errors, and the computer would not finish booting without Windows Explorer.

I thought about a new MB but this case is HORRIBLY small, I just want more RAM, plus it was tough enough to get the boss to even allow more RAM, let alone a serious upgrade. I am trying to get this done without him being aware of what an absolute PITA this is turning into, so it won't sffect his future decisions on upgrades. His attitude is if you're not running intense graphics then 64MB RAM is plenty. *sigh* I explained I waste one day a month simply *Waiting*, not far off considering that's only 1/2 hour per day...

Suggestions? Please?

(Ignore the specs in the signature, I need to change that!)

Did anyone try cleaning the new ram contacts before inserting them? Had needed to do that a time or two.
Seems you have covered about everything, except to check the slots and see if there is anything in them that needs removed or at least concidered.

What Crucial says that comp needs.

Thanks for the reply Train,

Yes, I used the pencil eraser method to clean the connectors. Is that acceptable, or do you know another way?

Also, I have moved back home to WA. I'm in Seattle, so Hello! to a fellow Washingtonion...

Yes, that works. And been know to use it many a time.

Well, welcome back. But it is just as dry as where you left right now though. :(

Wow... this is quite odd to say the least.

Start over from scratch....
remove all memory
clean all ram contacts again... use the eraser but then
use blaster spray. I'm thinking the eraser may leave particals
on contacts.
Try 2 new 64 MB's of ram PC100
Dont attempt to go any higher then this for now...
did you try this before as well?

Perhaps one slot on your board is bad...
this is a two slot board right?

let us know what happens.

Did you have a chance to check the 'new' RAM sticks in another machine ? Could they be DOA ?