Sony VGN-C240E "no battery is detected"

[tntxfour]

Hi. My wife's Sony VGN-C240E laptop suddenly begin displaying the message "no battery detected". This laptop was purchased new in 04/07 and has worked perfectly until now. This has mainly been used via 110volt at least 95% of the time. Now, suddenly, and without warning, if you unplug the ac, the computer dies! I can't believe it is due for a new battery as it is only a year and a half old! Please help!

[slippahs]

This happened to me with a VGN-C260E laptop. The battery just died, had the "no battery detected" and the laptop wouldn't recognize the battery. Just a dud Sony battery. Good thing I had it still under warranty with Costco (since they extend the warranty for a year past the manufacturer's warranty). Called Costco and they sent a new battery and that fixed the problem.

[tonicboy]

I had the same problem with mine. I have an SZ640 that I bought last September and the battery just died a month ago. I have no idea what the problem could be and am having a hard time believing that it is just old battery age.

[tntxfour]

So after doing some research, it appears this is a common problem with Sony batteries. I know my wife's laptop is now beyond the 1 year warranty period. I looked up the replacement Sony battery and they want $250 for it which is ridiculous! Can anyone recommend a quality replacement battery?