Printer Problems
Here are some quick checks which could help you determine the nature of your problem although you may not be able solve it.
Is the printer working at all? - try different documents, different applications (ie email, word, excel). If you have a network try printing from another computer.
Check the printer for error messages- are there any lights flashing or messages on the display? If so there is probably an internal problem such as a paper jam, ink needs topped up or it could indicate a mechanical failure.
Print a 'test page'. - Open the 'Printers and Faxes' wndow in Control Panel, right click the printer that you are trying to use and click on 'properties'. Under the general tab there is a button to print a Test Page.
check for power - is the printer turned on. A power light should normally be seen on front of the machine.
Have you tried shutting both PC and printer down, and restarting?
Check that cables are connected properly. Take them out and re-seat them.
Check the "Page-set-up" settings for the document which you are printing. Are items such as "paper size" set correctly?
Interesting facts
"Windows Vista has better power management features than XP, for example a default ‘Sleep’ mode which is automatically activated after one hour of non-use. Microsoft claims Vista could help reduce the carbon dioxide generated by an organisation with 200 desktops by up to 45 tonnes per year. That could mean savings on energy bills of up to £46 per PC per year. If the organisation’s volume Vista purchase discount is high enough, then this could justify a Vista upgrade on its own." (see full article here )