It seems like I have run into an impossible to fix problem. When I ask the computer to shut down, the power does not go off after any length of time. I have to hold down the power button to shut it completely down. It restarts without problems, however.
In addition, when the computer sleeps or hibernates, it gets stuck on the black screen and will not wake after any length of time. I also have to hold down the power button in order to gain access to the computer.
I have taken sleep and hibernate completely off so that I avoid running into this position, and therefore must keep it constantly plugged in. I turn it off at the end of each day.
After independent research and troubleshooting, I found similar threads. I did not find any definitive answers though. I attempted to run diagnostics with no problems, update the video drivers and flash bios, discharge static and change power setting, re-install windows and update to the newest version, to no avail.
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/f/3524/t/19463289
en.community.dell.com/.../19606208
en.community.dell.com/.../19471451
Please help!