ThinkPad i Series 1700 Battery

[ENH729]

I just got an old Thinkpad from work. My problem is that the batteries don't charge. I plug in the AC adapter to my wall and into the Laptop (with the battery in), then let it sit while shut off. Unfortunately, it never charges. Does anyone know how to charge this laptop, or any potenial problems I maybe having?

Thanks

 

[catalyst1]

Does it power on with the power cable plugged in? It should, and if it does, I'd say it's a dead battery.

 

[ENH729]

Yeah it powers on when its plugged in. I have 2 different batteries and I tried both of them. For some reason they don't work. I don't know if there is some special way of charging them though.