My almost 2 year old iphone 4 has stopped charging and will not connect to my Mac

My iPhone 4 will not charge or connect to my mac, it is not my USB cable as i have tried several and i have cleaned my charger connector of any dust, (also my battery is dead and the phone will not switch on) i have not dropped the phone nor has it been exposed to any liquid, other than everyday getting caught in the rain or crying on the phone ect.. also the software is totally uptodate, like ISO 5.1.1 or something
i have been to apple, they said that i have got to make an appointment with one of the genius guys, but this seems kinda pointless as the phone is dead and will not charge.. anyone had the same or similar problem? or any advice on what to do?
my parents are currently away and the insurance policy is in their name, so i cant really do much on that side of things till they are home..