no back light or black screen when starting, no back light or black screen when starting

My screen on my MacBook Pro went black on me last night while working on the computer. I'm wanting to know how to fix it. I tried starting it in safe mode by holding down the Shift key when starting it but that did not work. I unplugged everything..just the power cord and still nothing. I also tried control, option PR and still nothing. I went to remove the battery but saw it takes a special three pronged screw driver. Which I will get if that is the issue. Can anyone offer any other suggestions.. I don't want to spend the money on repairs if someone could help.