Can't get a signal out of VGA ports on motherboard or video card

A couple of years ago I built my parents a simple desktop for email and web. One of my friends had an extra video card laying around that I threw in because why not. Recently I got a call from them that one of the fans was making a strained noise. I should have told them to discontinue use, because a short while later I got a call saying it wouldn't boot.

When the power button is pressed, the machine gives all the signs of booting - lights come on, both fans on the motherboard and the video card start running (turns out it's the video card fan that was making the noise - it's still strained). However, no signal is sent to the monitor.

Things I've done:

• Made sure all connections inside are secure
• Removed the video card and attached VGA cable to motherboard output.
• Confirmed that the cable and monitor work properly
• Checked the motherboard for signs of being fried (burn marks, damaged capacitors). I didn't find any obvious damage.

Here things go beyond my experience and I could really use help. Is there anything obvious I'm missing?

From what you have done, the motherboard has died...

I figured as much but wanted to make sure before shelling out for a new one. Thanks.

Good luck

"•Removed the video card and attached VGA cable to motherboard output."
Either you have a built in VGA or from the CPU
Same thing happened to me a long time ago.

In my case, I forgot to change the setting in the BIOS to use the internal video adapter.
What's your M.B??