http://www.examcram2.com/articles/article.asp?p=341241&seqNum=5&rl=1
Troubleshooting the System Board
The microprocessor, RAM modules, ROM BIOS, and CMOS battery are typically replaceable units on the system board. If enough of the system is running to perform tests on these units, you can replace them.
Problems with key system board components produce symptoms similar to those described for a bad power supply. Both the microprocessor and the ROM BIOS can be sources of such problems. You should check both by substitution when dead system symptoms are encountered but the power supply is good.
http://www.examcram2.com/articles/article.asp?p=341241
Sorting Hardware/Software/Configuration Problems
One of the first steps in troubleshooting a computer problem (or any other programmable system problem) is to determine whether the problem is due to a hardware failure or to faulty software. In most PCs, you can use a significant event that occurs during the startup process as a key to separate hardware problems from software problems: the single beep that most PCs produce between the end of the power-on self test (POST) and the beginning of the startup process.
http://www.examcram2.com/articles/article.asp?p=341241&seqNum=3
Hardware Troubleshooting Tools
The level of troubleshooting most often performed on PC hardware is exchanging Field Replaceable Units (FRUs). Due to the relative low cost of computer components, it is normally not practical to troubleshoot failed components to the IC level. The cost of using a technician to diagnose the problem further, and repair it, can quickly exceed the cost of the new replacement unit.
I think you will find the above articles helpful :)
It sounds to me like your BIOS Chip may be damaged
It's darn tricky, and often impossible to fix a bad BIOS without simply replacing the BIOS chip.
It's worth checking out some of the different online BIOS sources because some of them offer a "flash recovery" utility for damaged BIOS systems.
http://www.badflash.com/happy.htm
If you trashed your computer's bios,
we are THE RESOURCE you need!
HOW TO REMOVE THE BIOS CHIP
FROM THE MOTHERBOARD
http://www.badflash.com/removbio.htm
http://www.badflash.com/wrapup.htm
If you trashed your computer's bios,
we are THE RESOURCE you need!
WRAPPING UP
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To reinstall the chip, orient the notched end of the chip or the dot such that it aligns with the notch in the socket. This is the same orientation observed when the chip was removed. Carefully match the pins to the corresponding socket positions. Gently press on the top of the chip until the pins begin to slide into the socket. Getting the orientation wrong WILL DESTROY THE CHIP!
I added some helpful links if you wanted to order a new chip remove the bad chip and put a new one in yourself , It's not all that hard to do and cheaper than a service tech and faster than replacement of your system board :)