Originally posted by: linuxconvert
is there an easy way (any way really) to check if the hardware is damaged?
Well, in essence, you've already proved that the problem is a hardware issue. The problem is finding out WHICH hardware. Since you can't even boot the system you can't run the types of diagnostics that run under the auspices of the operating system.
If I were you I'd go over the system carefully, being sure that all internal and external connectors / cables /whatever are solidly connected and undamaged. I'd also look at the MB carefully to see if there were any obviously damaged components. If you find no loose connections / damaged cables / burned or blown components then going further will require you to have test gear (and knowledge of how to use it) and spare parts (for those parts of the system that can be swapped out with known good replacements).
Basically what I'm saying is that, by refusing to even try to load the OS, the system itself is proving to you that you have a hardware problem. But, in the absence of a beep code or visual clues from the components, it can be pretty hard to know exactly which hardware has failed.