Periodically, I get a Disk with a Flashing Question Mark

[Steven A. Melnyk]

I recently acquired an Apple Cube from Overstock.com.  Recently, when I 
or my son turn it on, we hear a loud noise and we get a screen that 
contains a flashing folder/disk with a question mark.  Since this 
computer is still under warranty for six months, I would like to know 
what is going on.  Any ideas on what is happening?  Any suggestions 
would be greatly appreciated.

Steven A. Melnyk
Department of Marketing & Supply Chain Management
Michigan State University
melnyk at msu.edu