Good news!
After stripping down my system and trying to boot it barebones in an attempt to figure out the source of the problem, I just couldnt isolate what was causing it not to boot up. I ruled out a short in the power switch, so I was assuming it was probably the motherboard, although the power supply and processor were still possibilities.
Then a friend forwarded me an article that claimed SOME Antec 350 watt power sources were not functioning properly when used with the MSI motherboard I have (K8n Neo2 platinum) and certain AMD 64 processors.
Although I don't fully understand how this can happen, I was seriously considering replacing the power supply anyway. So I bought a 500 watt power supply (with detachable cables, much more convenient when installing) and it fired right up!
Word to the wise (certainly not from the wise) - if you buy or have bought an Antec case that comes with a stock 350w power supply, go ahead and replace it. When I bought my case and built my system in June, I had read somewhere that 350w was probably not enough, because not all Antec power supply units were putting out enough power. Well, I didnt do it then, so I suppose I am paying for it now. I'm sure the same might go for other cases that come with stock units, but my experience is of course only with Antec.
Thanks to those who attempted to help me with what turned out to be a really strange problem - I might have been 1 out of 1,000 people who would actually be affected by all this wierdness. Just my luck.
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