Flatlined after HD failure and now I get no video through DVI

I lost my primary HD and am rebuilding...

I have an 8800 GTS PCI-e gpu card with dual DVI only - no d-sub
Monitor is a Samsung 22" LCD
MB is Gigabyte GA P35 DQ6
CPU is Dual Core E6850

I reset the CMOS and removed all components for a benchtest/build

Upon power up I get nothing on the monitor but everything powers up and spins. HD, coolers, gpu fan, etc....

Yes everything is connected.

I pulled the 8800 GTS and swapped it for a 7600 with DVI and D-sub

I attempted to boot up again with similar results. I disconnected the DVI and used the d-sub just for kicks and giggles and viola!! It apparantly had been going through the post, but unseen.

WHY? The 8800 has worked well in this system before. I've read about some issues with DVI only gpu cards not being compatible with some motherboards because of BIOS issues.

HELP HELP HELP HELP HELP