Problem - light won't turn on

When I first had this machine running (Vendo 81) I was able to turn on the light.  I have since powered it down and then up again, and now the light won't come on.

Steve from Funtronics told me to press the button twoce, which I did, and held it on the 2nd press.  Since then I have tried every possible combination of pressing, holding, not holding, holding for all different amounts of time - all to no avail.

When I press it the first time, nothing happens.  When I press it the 2nd time and hold - both the bottom 1/4 and the top 1/4 of the light come on as sort of a dim glow, with the bottom a bit brighter and more white than the top portion.  In addition, the bottom flickers, just as I have seen other flourescent bulbs flicker . . . as if it is trying to jump-start itself.  But it never fully come on !!  And then, as soon as I release the button, the light goes off.

And ideas?  If not, then what part could be bad?  This is driving me mad.

[johnieG]

If the filaments are glowing as you say they are the switch is OK, have you tried a new bulb yet? or make sure the bulbs inserted into the sockets correctly,  moving the machine can knock the bulb loose in it's sockets, give it a small twist and make sure it locks into place, after tring that, then a new bulb, it's possible the ballest (transformer) may have a loose wire on it. Hre's a basic schematic to help you...JohnieG