How can I save my computer?

I have an older refurbished HP compaq nc6000. The most recent time I tried turning it on, it shows the screen where it warns you that Windows did not start successfully and gives me the option to start normally or with safe mode. Starting it normally makes it act as though it will load, but the computer quickly flashes blue and goes back to the prvious warning screen. Safe mode, last known good configuration, and every other option does the exact same thing. Is my computer kaput? Have I lost all my files? The blue screen that flashes quickly doesn’t look quite like the blue screen of death, but I’m afraid that’s what it may be. Is there anything I can do?