Precision 7520 - Does Not Wake Up After Sleep

Starting 5 days ago (and I suspect it coincided with some driver updates), my Precision 7520 shows the following problem: after going to Sleep it won't wake up by pressing any keyboard keys, nor the Power button. Each time I want to switch it back on I have to remove the battery, unplug the AC adapter, close the lid, plug it back on, and press the Power button.

It all started with the laptop showing a combination of 3 amber lights + 5 white lights. After removing the battery (which seemed to be a trigger) I then ran the diagnostic which returned no errors.

This occurred only the first time, because now after I follow the procedure (remove battery, unplug AC adapter, close lid, plug AC battery back on) the laptop will boot and actually wakes up from Sleep.

I have updated all drives, installed all Windows updates, nothing works. The issue manifests even if I actively put the laptop in Sleep mode (i.e. without waiting the 15 minutes).

Although many may think the responsible is the battery, even when I don't put it back on the problem remains. I ran diagnostics on the battery too and it seems good. I have to unplug and re-plug the AC adapter otherwise the laptop shows no signs of life.

This station has always been connected to a monitor with the lid closed, so this issue is very annoying and I am considering throwing the laptop away.

Any advice and suggestions is highly appreciated.

Thank you