Ipad stuck between Apple logo and start up wheel

[lbbroker]

My Ipad will not start up - after powering it on, the Apple logo appears, followed by the start up wheel, which spins for 10-20 seconds, then freezes. After a while, the Apple appears again then the start up wheel, etc. Eventually the battery dies. I have tried powering off and on several times (pressing the power button and the home button), but nothing changes.