In addition to checking for bent pins on the video cable plug, also check for loose pins.  I worked on an old IBM that had a couple of loose pins.  If I connected the monitor normally to the computer it wouldn't work.  If the plug was turned upside down, the pins stayed straight.  On a hunch, I turned the computer to match the plug orientation and connected them.  That did the trick.  Everything worked when the computer was booted.
Jim

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Date:    Thu, 23 Jan 2003 22:57:15 -0500
From:    Paul Ecclestone <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: No video

I have 2 computers and a known to be good monitor.  Both computers (486's)
all of a sudden give no video signal.  It would seem very unlikely that
they both would have a video card go bad at the same time.  The monitor is
original to the computer.  The computers were not hooked up for awhile -
hence no electrical surge would explain.  Would a possible dead battery
cause this?  I suspect not, but...

When firing them up, the monitor light comes on for a second, turns
orange, then shuts off.  Nothing makes it to the screen.

Regards,
Paul Ecclestone

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