|After about a month of not using my P.C.
|I one day turned it on but would not boot up.
|[...]displaying the computer business logo,
|and after that a dim blue screen appears and says (In DOS mode) replace disc.
| Gary

EXACT error messages are useful.

{semantics}
If you're not getting a DOS prompt, that is a BIOS error message (NOT DOS).
OTOH, your "Will not boot" Subject line appears to be correct
--unlike so many which should say "Won't load Windoze".{/semantics}

Have you removed the non-bootable diskette from the floppy drive? [1]
Have you tried booting to your Startup Disk?
Have you then tried a   DIR C:  from that A:\ prompt?
Made backups?  A HDD does not have an infinate lifespan.


|The bios battery seems as though it is keeping fairly good time.
|
{semantics}The Real-Time Clock keeps the time.[2]
In addition, BIOS is non-volatile Read-Only Memory; it doesn't require a  battery.
It is CMOS that is volatile Random Access Memory;
*it* does require a backup battery.{/semantics}


[1] There is no logic in having A: in your Boot Precedence if you don't routinely 
use that.
It just slows down the boot process.

[2] The RTC circuitry *does* use the CMOS battery.

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