first timer, new system, monitor doesn't work

[juanzo007]

Hey Folks...

First timer here building my first system. guess i should start with specs...

asus p5gc-mx 1333 mother board for intel 945gc chipset
intel core duo processor E2180 2 Ghz
seagate sata 300 500gb hd.
lg dvd writer
big damn antec 500w tower

Anyway, the motherboard powers up, fans works, hd spins, dvd lites come on, but no monitor... Everything was easy on the setup, with the exception that my power led is three prong and the f panel wants two, couldn't connect. hdd led does not fire up when powered up.

Went thru the asus troubleshooting guide, d/c everything, clear cmos, check that the processor and ram are properly seated. no monitor...

Any suggestions?? Many thanks!!

[Midknyte]

it's not your monitor. that means your system is not POSTing.

test the mb, cpu, ram, video, and psu on a non conductive surface outside of the case. make sure there are no extra standoffs under the board in the case.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/145/1

[juanzo007]

thank you... well, the monitor works now, can enter bios, and initially bios recognized my hdd, but now it isnt!

checked connections, switched cables, confirmed there is power to the unit, enabled sata drives in bios, cleared cmos...

any ideas? thanks again...

[Midknyte]

check the connections on the back of the sata drive. try different ports on the motherboard also. try different power cables from the psu to the hd.

[juanzo007]

thanks... yes, i did all that, still nothing...

[Midknyte]

did you mess around with any jumpers on the back of the drive? you shouldn't have to touch anything.

did you test the HD on another system? it might just be DOA.