Laptop Issues - I'm Puzzled...

I've got a Compaq laptop, about 2 years old. It's operated flawlessly until a few days ago.

Last week, I noticed that, for no apparent reason, occassionally it would drop the wireless connection to my router.

Without warning, yesterday, the computer simply froze up completely. Nothing worked, the screen still displayed, but everything was frozen in place.

I unplugged the computer, removed the battery for a reboot.

Reboot - brings me to the "Fix Startup Process-Recommended" screen. This works, but is always unsuccessful.

I've been able once or twice to use System Restore, successfully, however, it has not cured the problem.

Now - today....when I try to power up, it will run for about 2-3 seconds, then power off, repeatedly. Continuing this, it will eventually stay on, and attempt to boot up, unsuccessfully.

On a few occassions, the startup messages have said, "no Operating System Found".

My hard drive doesn't make the apparent sounds of distress...

Any thoughts??? Or suggestions?