I think I finally found the problem with the goddamn power cord. I think it was the battery because I noticed that when I didn't plug the ac plug in the laptop the power block was still on. So I removed the battery, blew out any dust, and put it back in. Now it's working properly again. Hopefully that's it for this problem.

Changing the subject, the new Tool album (10,000 Days) is quite good. I'm surprised at how the album is mixed and engineered so amazingly well (unlike many of today's music).