Screen black on start up. Can anyone out there please help me

Hey There plent,

Here are a few troubleshooting suggestions for the issue you are having of a black screen when your MacBook Pro starts up. The title of this article is for a gray screen, but the initial troubleshooting, including resetting the PRAM still applies.

Mac OS X: Gray screen appears during startup - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204325

Here's another possibility:

Macintosh Family: Batteries and Part Numbers, Part 2 - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT2295

Some Macintosh computers have a backup battery to maintain system settings, such as the date and time, when the computer is turned off . The battery may last up to five years. However, this varies due to the battery's shelf life, and usage patterns of the computer. The batteries used in Macintosh computers are lithium or alkaline, and are commonly 3.6 V to 4.5 V.

If your computer does not retain parameter RAM (PRAM) settings when it is turned off, this generally indicates that the battery needs to be changed. Some Macintosh models may display a black screen when you turn them on if the battery needs to be changed.

If you are uncomfortable changing the battery, an Apple Authorized Service Provider can install one for you.

I hope this information helps ....

- Judy