Picture only comes on for a second than goes off. the light continues to stay green on the monitor. i have already checked cables and such with another monitor and they work fine. computer recognizes monitor it just doesnt show a picture for more than a second if powered off and than on again.

The problem can be the 18 or 24vdc power supply is bad or the backlight inverter board is bad. You need to open it up.
Service manual: http://elektrotanya.com/?q=showresult&megnev=Acer&megnev2=AL2416W%20&kategoria=&kat2=all
If you are going to DIY and have proper tools and know safety precaution then please read on:

Please see my basic troubleshooting guide here:
http://www.fixya.com/support/r5093881-lcd_flat_panel_tv_troubleshooting_guide

http://s807.photobucket.com/home/budm/allalbums

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capacitor_plague

Parts: www.shopjimmy.com

The same thing happens to me, only that I found a quick-and-dirty temporary solution: turn it off again and turn it back on. If it doesn't work, try again.

Note - while it comes on, before turning dark, I get only the ACER logo for half a second to a second. If the computer picture ever shows, it will stay on.

The issue is that it worked with two attempts, than it took two or three, later it took even four, and now sometimes it takes even 5 attempts.

budmrtn, would this affect your answer?
Thanks