Absolutely nothing on boot, plus won't read usb pen??

Hi guys, just bought an Alien2, but think I have bought a lemon! When I switch it on, I get "00:00 BOOT" on box, and for a split second I see "00:00 INIT" then back to "00:00 BOOT" then it turns itself into a clock forever!! During the whole process there is jack squat on my tv screen??? I tried to use the rescue image on several usb pens, in the usb on the rear, squat.......is it a lemon?? Or am I a plum??? What does a newbie really need to start the spark???????