IPhone 3GS 32GB Software Problem?

IPhone 3GS Software Problem?
I have recently purchased an iPhone 3gs 32gb with a suspected software problem. ( simple solution or so i thought ). Turns out it will only turn on when connected to a power source. Then i plug it into my PC and it starts up but as soon as i open up iTunes it won't connect and disappears and turns its-self off. As i'm browsing the device i notice tiny white specs which i'm thinking could be water damage and has the traditional wear ( the crack on the charging point ) apart from this it is in great condition. Also looks like it may have been opened as the screws down the bottom look lose

This is the listing: http://www.ebay.co.uk/...1439.l2649

Fixes, Problem, etc. Please

> it will only turn on when connected to a power source.
suggests that the battery is dead, or disconnected.

> as soon as i open up iTunes it won't connect and disappears and turns its-self off
again could be no battery, as there may well be a power surge - which the battery would support, but if there's no battery, is too much for the USB supply momentarily and it powers off.
You could try leaving it to charge fully,
or a powered Hub (often supply more than 500mA per socket)

as you say, sounds like someone has tried to open it
and damaged it further or failed to fix it.

You could try taking it to
- another iphone repairer
- to an apple 'shop' and their genius bar for an out of warrenty replacement

depends on if you want call it quits now, or invest more to get a replacement one - or a fix.

or re-sell on ebay to find some other person to buy it.
If the description was wrong or misleading, you can get ebay to force the seller to refund you (they nearly always side with the buyer).