Laptop screen blackout (not crash)

[TadasJA]

  Ok so here's the problem: Yesterday my ASUS k52je screen blacked-out as if I clicked Fn+F7, now if I really press Fn+F7 the screen turns on for like 0.2s and blacks out again, weird thing with this is I believe it still counts as my screen is on since I have to press Fn+F7 twice for my screen to light up again...
 
  Anyways an external screen works with no problems at all, tried to turn my computer on with or without battery so that's out of the question... Any idea what might be causing this and how to fix it ? Preferably a free solution because I can't afford a new screen at the moment...

-TJ

-EDIT-

Forgot to mention that my drivers are all up to date...

[Calum]

When the screen comes on, does it look normal?  When it goes black, if you look very closely, and perhaps under strong light, can you still see the display, just very dim?
If so, it'll be the backlight or inverter that has died.

[TadasJA]

Sorry I forgot to mention that yes - I can barely see my screen when it blacks out but what was weird (and probably a signal) was that for the past 2-3 weeks whenever I turn on my laptop/screen on after a break the screen had this weird red tint which would disappear after a minute or so... so if it is what you think I have to buy a new screen, right ?

[Calum]

It'll be the inverter or backlight then.  Inverters are generally £3-10, fitting will vary but expect to pay around £40-60 all in.  If it's the screen itself, they can vary from around £10-100+, expect to pay £80 on average for the screen and fitting.

[TadasJA]

I was praying it wouldn't be that, but well me and god are not in the best terms... thanks anyways

[Calum]

No problem, sorry to be the bearer of bad news.