Did I fry my CPU?

I have an Epox 8KHA+ mb and AthlonXP 1800.

I was doing some testing with a CPU cooling device earlier today. I put the HSF on my AthlonXP 1800 and powered my computer up...the fans started whirling and my box came to life, but the monitor didn't come up as usual as though it wasn't recieving a signal. A few seconds later my computer turned off.

After this I tried to power up the computer by pushing the power button, nothing happened. I unplugged the power cord, I switched the rear power switch, etc, and the computer would not come back on in any way shape or form. Then I removed the HSF from my CPU and realized that the HSF was not flush against the CPU...so I assumed it had been fried. I then put the original HSF on the CPU and kept plugging in/unplugging the power cord and flicking the rear power switch...then gave the power button a try. It started up, so I assumed the box was OK, so I then quickly powered it down, not giving it the chance to get more screwed up.

Now, I have been unable to get the box to power up at all. I am going to pickup a new CPU tomorrow, but I want to be sure mine i the problem before I do so. With the CPU in I can't power the computer, by that I mean I hit the power switch and absolutely nothing happens. I removed the CPU completely and the computer does not start.

Basically my question is, does my mb (Epox 8KHA+) know that the CPU is missing and/or fried, so it doesnt let the computer start? Or when the CPU was friend did something else potentially happen.

Thanks for your input, I appreciate it greatly.