[vtech]

In general, with SMPS there are switched & unswitched lines.
Unswitched lines are usally one or two unregulated supply lines that will run as soon as the unit is plugged in, however the switched lines are controlled by means of a "power on" signal pin that comes from the syscon. It's possible that your unswitched lines are either low or loaded down--therby hearing the ticking sound.
Or it can easily be related to dried up electrolytic caps causing too much AC floating throughout the circuit.

[Guest]

How to find out wheter a SMPS type power supply is dead or not? This SMPS is fitted in a VCR. The output pins on the SMPS has voltage. When it is plugged in a very weak ticking (2Hz) is possible to hear.