Laptop battery not charging

Hello....I have an Acer Aspire 5050 3242. I've had it for about 3yrs now and just recently I had to reinstalled Windows XP due to it having a virus. Now, I have a problem with the battery. IT'S NOT CHARGING! I had this problem prior to having XP reinstalled on it. I bought a new AC adapter thinking that it would solve the problem because the original one was messed up. I had accidentally stepped on it a few times and it messed up the wires inside, but with the new adapter on the problem is still there. Also, and battery indicator on the task bar disappeared. Can anyone help PLEASEEEE!