USB booting :: trouble booting x86 system

An x86 machine will not boot from cd, usb, or as embedded. I have had plenty of success with all three before, but this one has me stumped.

ACPI x86-based pc
WDC WD1600YS-01SHB1 ATA Hard Drive
Intel G33/G31 Express Chipset Family (display)
HL-DT-ST DVD-RAM GSA-H54N ATA DVD/CD-ROM
INTEL ICH9 6 PORT SATA AHCI CONTROLLER -2922
TI OHCI COMPLIANT IEEE 1394 HOST CONTROLLER
Generic Non-PnP Monitor
Intel Core2 Duo CPU E6750 @ 2.66GHz
Intel Core2 Duo CPU E6750 @ 2.66GHz
Microsoft iSCSI Initiator
ACPI Fixed Feature Button
ACPI Sleep Button
Advanced programmable interrupt controller
Direct memory access controller
High Definition Audio Controller
Intel 82801 PCI Bridge -244E
Intel 82801GB SMBus Controller - 2930 Intel SMBus 2.0 Driver

I would be very grateful for any suggestions. Thanks.

original here.