Thanks to Redbaran and all other contributors:
I also have this saw and it has seen occasional use since buying it around 2012. I also had the lights/laser, but no spinning blade issue and had it ready to go to Goodwill, but thought, I'll see if I can get it to work one last time. I disassembled the clam shell, tested continuity, and had decided the motor must be seized.... Then I found this post and after "flicking" trigger and applying lateral pressure to it, she started right up with gusto. Much obliged!