just took the CPU out and checked the pins - they all look straight
it fits into the socket very easily too, so if the pins were bent I guess I would have a problem getting it in there
and if it was a problem with the CPU, wouldn't it beep at me? can CPUs be tempramental, ie work one minute and not the next? I would have thought it would just stop working and that would be it.
I checked the manual to ensure I was inserting it correctly and I was. I then noticed the manual said it also required a 4pin ATX lead to be connected.
I thought this was the issue, but on checking on t'internet it turns out this is a misprint in the manual and this board does not require the extra 4-pin ATX!
Back to the drawing board...