Numeric error codes for the ThinkPad T21 are listed
here. It says
0271 Date and time error.
Neither the date nor the time is set in the computer. Run IBM BIOS Setup Utility to reset the time and date.
Nothing too surprising there. You get the BIOS setup utility by hitting F1 on bootup, although if the keyboard isn't working that may be difficult. Hopefully that's just a glitch from the failure code, but if it's not then it would suggest something worse.
IBM UK service are on 01475-555-055, I would hope that they would be able to help. There are more drastic solutions that spring to mind (resetting the BIOS) but it's probably worth talking to someone about it first.