Automatic swap starter engage problem

[ArsenicPants]

I just finished up an automatic to standard swap
I've connected the power wires from under the shifter
I wired up the starter and cranked it; the starter engaged, but it sounded like the gear wasn't connecting to the flywheel, like it was just spinning freely
I assumed the shaft design in the starter gear was to blame, so I took the starter out and put a diesel mk3 starter in it, with a short gear on that doesn't have a shaft extending out beyond the gear
But when I turned the key, nothing happened
Not even a click
So I took it out, tried another starter identical to the first one, but that one did the same thing
I thought maybe both starters were pooched, so I put the first starter back back in (the one that spins)
But when I tried to crank again, nothing happened

I can't see any dead fuses, or any wires out of place or disconnected
To make things weirder, the headlights and interior fan don't turn on when the key is turned to accessory position
Would that have anything to do with it?

Any help would be awesome

[Chev2dub]

Sounds silly but check and make sure all your connections are connected... double check your ground on the trans and battery and On the fendwall as well.

[ArsenicPants]

thanks for the suggestion
I went over all the connections from switch to starter, battery terminals and grounds and everything looks good
i checked the ignition computer and the connector was disconnected
i connected it, but still no go
I also cut out the extended power wire that goes to the shifter and just wired it straight to the wire to the engine bay, but still nothing

the lights do not work, and neither does the emergency flasher

during the swap from automatic to manual I also swapped in a 16v and a knock box
as far as I can tell the knock box wiring should have nothing to do with the main power engaging, am i correct?

[ArsenicPants]

HAHAHAHAHA
i suck


the battery is dead

i figured it couldn't be since it's only been unplugged for a few weeks
but i put another one on there, and it's almost dead too, but the starter tries to turn over

BAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA