After searching a bunch of tech forums, I found out about Motherboard "standoffs". The little metal screws that separate the mother board from the case.

I've built a computer before, and never used them. But I read that if you don't, you can short the mother board.

So, I pulled my mobo out of the case, put the standoffs in, screwed the mobo back in... and I was off and going.

I feel like a doof... it was frustrating

Just got Vista installed, and am beginning to get all my essential apps on there. By the time we get to Wednesday (when I have a 5 day break from work), I'll be 5-boxing it up.