Sometimes laptops while still on factory settings have a default password that protects the BIOS and at times even the booting of the machine itself.
If ever in this situation you can send the hardware in one of the maintenance labs , and they will very nicely sort it out for you. The problem is that this costs 75-100 euros + time.
The protection actually is created by a hardware switch ( otherwise they could just tell you the pass right ).
Not too long ago i had to do something of than nature with and acer Aspire 1360.
Took a few pics in the process too , to document it better.
Sid? What is he on about now? 