when I shut off my xbox it stays on the power button flashes and the gears run and you have to ...

You probably have background downloading on which means that when you shut the console down it will blink like that and stay on temporarily while the Cloud is updated.

If you would like to turn off background downloading then simply follow the instructions at this link.

support.xbox.com/.../flashing-green-light-on-power-button

I get the same thing EXCEPT, using "Xbox on" turns the xbo on for a second or two then shuts off like the others commenting. BUT, when I actually get off my butt and touch the power button on the front of the console it powers up and stays on.

When I press the on button:

1. the Xbox starts up with the on beep
2. The button light dims; and
3. Then it shuts down with off beep 1-2 seconds later.

Have detached the external hard drive and tried disconnecting the power for several mins.

I can't do a factory reset as the machine won't stay on for more than 2 seconds, regardless of what buttons I press.

Try holding down on the small button underneath the xbox logo on the console and that xbox button on the console until it starts flashing then wait until the light is solid and isn't flashing.

Hi,

If the Xbox power button on the console isn't flashing then you should fully shut down the console by holding the power button down until the unit goes off. Wait about 10 seconds, power back on and try syncing again.

Mine did the same thing. It wouldn't sync because the power button wasn't flashing.

I don't know if this is relevant but when i tried to power it off right now the power button kept flashing and it didn't shut down after a minute so I forced it off. It also sometimes struggles to launch apps.