Same problem - didn't know laptop wasn't getting power, it crashed (emergency shutdown) and wouldn't recharge. Cracked casing on power cord - new cord, fixed! (after sending it back to manufacturer and enduring the hell of thinking I'd lost the HD, which has happened subsequently for unrelated reasons. Aaargh!)

*pets gently* Perhaps take it to store that sells same model and try a power cord there? The staff where I tried it (Best Buy) were very nice.