i try to help when i can, but unfortunately with most of the stuff i know a little about, its just not simple to diagnose without the pcb in front of you, and a logic probe and schematics so you can see what's doing what.
Besides that, half of the time, you ask people if they've tested the voltage, and they don't even own a voltmeter, or if they do, they don't have a clue how to use it.
I really don't mind helping people out but for me to be able to help someone they really need to at least have a working knowledge of basic electrics - like how to use a VOM. Its not hard, and there's plenty of info on google.
I'm not picking on anyone specifically at all VG - especially not you - just venting.
And btw, reading the repair forum here and diving in headfirst you'll pick up more knowledge about repairing games than you can possibly imagine - thats a heck of a good start. Bob Roberts also has some excellent basic info if you haven't checked it out yet.