I solved the problem. I returned my n800 for a new one and the new one works fine. i re-flashed the old one with OS2008 and it still exhibits the same no-power-on problem. Its hard not to think this is a hardware problem but it sounds like nokia thinks its a software problem. weird.

anyway im happy now.

i bought it from dell online and they shipped me a new one and i am awaiting their instructions to send the old one back. i used them both for a couple days and had no problems with the new one.