Hi Brian,
Thankyou so so much for your quick reply- because this laptop is for uni work this means a lot to me!!
i think my issue was not holding the button for 5 seconds- even though it sounded as though it turned off! Unfortunately neither the start up repair nor the system restore worked so ive had to go for a full reset, but without your help i wouldve been stuck forever. Keep me in your prayers!:)
Again thanks so much and stay safe,
Sasha