If you are using firmware 2.50, you can access the recovery menu by holding down the power button until you hear three quick beeps. You will be asked to plug in a controller and press the PS button. The menu will allow you to perform various tasks to recover the PS3 console, these include:
- Restart system
- Restore default settings
- Restore file system
- Rebuild database
- Restore PS3 system
- System update
If you are using a older firmware version, you will have to contact Sony technical support. This will mean that you will have to send your console to Sony to get it repaired. If the recovery menu does not work, you should also contact Sony technical support.