1. Display Cutoff Switch. By design, I would expect power to the display to be cutoff when the display screen is folded down. This may be accomplished by a "cutoff" switch somewhere along the top back edge of the laptop. Is it possible the switch is "stuck" in the down position?
2. External Monitor. The display output of a laptop may be directed to the built in screen, an external monitor, or both. Is it possible a function key was hit directing the display output to the external monitor port?
3. Did the display screen go "black" as you were watching it?
4. Is anything displayed on the screen as the laptop starts?