Toshiba T2150CDT laptop won't charge batteries

[mowsala]

Hi,
I recently acquired an old (14 year old!) Toshiba T2150CDT laptop. When I plug it in, it runs OK, but the NiMH battery will not charge. The Windows 98 power meter says it's 50% full and charging, but it does not charge, even if I switch it off, and the battery charging led doesn't light up. I've got another battery secondhand off ebay, but that doesn't work either, and does exactly the same !

I've also updated the bios and downloaded the official Toshiba battery tools, but to no avail.

I can't find any voltage on any of the pins of either battery with my multimeter.

Help, anyone?!
Thanks.

[mowsala]

Last night I tried leaving the laptop on all night and it in now charging!!
Thanks for interest.