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sounds like the graphics card is bad since the external monitor didn't work either. It is most likely integrated into the motherboard.

Wow... google will be your friend. I recommend an A+ Certification course.

You'll probably find if it works once and then won't after that then something is causing a short circuit, probably a component that was damaged by the water. You can confirm this by removing the battery and power adaptor, holding the power button down for 10 seconds, then plugging the power adaptor back in. If it turns on you have a short circuit somewhere. If it doesn't you have a further issue...

Check the connection of the LVDS cable to the mainboard, thats th eonly other place it could be 'loose' or it could just be faulty. What kind of 'fading out' are you experienceing? Does it wash out to a white/milky uneven colour? Does the image return after you move the screen slightly or after pretty much closing it and reopening? If it's the latter then it is more likely your LCD panel has...

It sounds to me like a faulty power button, or the cable that connects the power button to the motherboard. I would replace that button and cable and see does that fix the problem.

Find one of these adapters. It will work with any type/style drive. Newegg.com - VANTEC CB-ISATAU2 SATA/IDE to USB 2.0 Adapter - Adapters & Gender Changers

If the display goes pink/red before the backlight fails it is a fault with the LCD panel itself, not the inverter board.

This is quite possibly a hibernation issue. The mechanics inside of the laptop case believe that the machine is closed up therefore putting it in hibernation and therefore dims the screen and reduces the operating power. You may try opening the screen a few times or actually having a onsite technician open it up and look at the senors inside the machine that cause it to enter hibernation ...

I think this page may be of use to you. Windows XP and Acer Aspire 4520 - Download Aspire 4520 Windows XP Drivers