even with out any IDE, ATA, SATA etc... devices connected your motherboard SHOULD at least do a Power On Self Test (POST) If it's not doing that their may be a problem with your Video card, Ram, Processor, or the motherboard itself. I'd suggest to try Reseating you RAM and video card first. If that won't even get your machine through POST, check and see if your motherboard is in fact getting power. Their should be a LED somewhere on your MoBo that lights up when you have power connected to your machine.