Plug the system speaker in you may get some audio diagnostic codes (beeping)
First thoughts:
You NEED a graphics card in place if there is no onboard one, if its still the same, check the CPU is sitting correctly and has all heat removal stuff (paste, heatsink, fans etc) correctly in place and working. Also check the PSU is powerful enough if upgrading an old case it may not have the muscle.
The HDD will not effect the initial bios startup and are not detected until after the video, ram etc. Not having a harddisk present (or if its a damaged one) does not effect bios control access.
First thoughts:
You NEED a graphics card in place if there is no onboard one, if its still the same, check the CPU is sitting correctly and has all heat removal stuff (paste, heatsink, fans etc) correctly in place and working. Also check the PSU is powerful enough if upgrading an old case it may not have the muscle.
The HDD will not effect the initial bios startup and are not detected until after the video, ram etc. Not having a harddisk present (or if its a damaged one) does not effect bios control access.