Batteries, etc.

I got my Macbook about 2 years ago now, and it is quickly becoming terrible. I probably didn't take great care of it, but the battery won't last for more than 40 minutes and the charger will only charge if it is in a certain position (i.e. if I move my computer a little bit, the computer thinks that it isn't plugged in at all. I realize that the latter is just a physical problem and there probably isn't anything that I can do, but does anyone have any tips on how to revive my battery health? I really don't feel like spending 250 bucks to get a new battery AND charger...

thanks,
charlie

Once it has gone it will never return to full health. If it is down to such a low level that forget it, it is dead and needs replacing.