The newer PowerBooks and iBooks never had a dedicated PRAM battery per say, normally the PRAM just runs off the main battery and when that dies or is removed the time and date are reset (this has even happened to me on some unibody MBPs, as I unplug the battery before doing upgrades).
Like unity said, try a PMU reset and a PRAM reset (hold Command+Option+P+R at boot until the computer chimes a 2nd time).
If these don't help I would look into the charging circuit, again like unity said. The LoBo is probably OK, but it would be best to take a look in the machine and see if anything decided to release the magical dust.
Luckily, parts for the later PowerBooks are getting pretty cheap. I had to install a new LoBo and Optic Drive in my 1.5GHz 12" model and spent under $70 (under $50, IIRC).
Like unity said, try a PMU reset and a PRAM reset (hold Command+Option+P+R at boot until the computer chimes a 2nd time).
If these don't help I would look into the charging circuit, again like unity said. The LoBo is probably OK, but it would be best to take a look in the machine and see if anything decided to release the magical dust.
Luckily, parts for the later PowerBooks are getting pretty cheap. I had to install a new LoBo and Optic Drive in my 1.5GHz 12" model and spent under $70 (under $50, IIRC).