I think the biggest problem might be that the ink is dried out and not work at all - but it could be thick or gummy and that might cause a problem.

i have "rescued" a couple printers & old ink cartridges by cleaning the areas I could reach with alcohol & q tips and clean off the cartridge tip.

If it's still sealed shake cartridge and see if it makes noise or not

Basically I guess it depends on how expensive, old or new the printer is and if you feel comfortable cleaning it if it does gunk it up?