* Does the power light come on?
* Does the drive light flash indicating Windows or Linux is loading?
* If the above happens try looking at the screen with a torch/flash light and see if you can faintly see anything. You could also try connecting an HDMI cable to the port on the laptop and connect it to an external monitor or TV.
* Or the Function keys - F1, F2. . . F12 check for brightness setting button or external monitor button. These toggle on/off.
Let us know and we will go from there.
And it is quite an old computer - 13 years for a computer is like a great grand parent in age. I am not saying you should not fix or use them of course!
[link|https://cdn.cnetcontent.com/a0/06/a0066c1a-f4ed-4e27-a654-6c719e2d3621.pdf|Toshiba manual - click here]
* See page 5-2 for Function keys.