Yes that can happen for a few different issues
* The OS-X version is too old for the system
* The System is looking for a different boot drive
First you should review [https://everymac.com|EveryMac] looking at each model to see if they support the same level of OS. If not you’ll need to install the correct OS the current system requires or one thats newer than what it came with.
Second I would start up the system using '''Shift (⇧)''' Safe Mode or Startup Manager '''Option (⌥)''' using an external bootable drive with the needed OS-X/Mac-OS to alter the systems Startup setting.