the bios did get reset, and does have "pins" on the board to do so. Even with proof of ownership and Toshiba knowing the bios issue and having a fix, when the warranty is up-it cost money. i shorted the pins and got it done-but doing that also can blow out the USB ports, due to the fact that the battery has to be in the laptop and you have to power it up. so, tell all ur friends to keep any and all things updated on their computers.
now updating the bios to the fix shall be a good time (no USB ports) this laptop will be relegated to web surfing only, but that's what he wanted.
thanks to all again, have a wonderful Independence Day!