PC error at post - unable to access bios

[cruise]

I recently installed a 2nd vid card and was having probs activating crossfire. I changed a device I shouldn’t have and was unable to view monitor (computer still booted ok) I had a friend come over to help and  he ended up changing some bios setting that now will not allow pc to post so I can not access the bios to change settings back. I have tried removing battery, removing jumper, Intel boot recovery”, original oem win xp sp1 disk,  booting by thumbdrive all to no avail. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.

Windows Xp SP2
Intel D975XBX2
Intel 2 Core Duo E6600
Asus Silent Knight Cooler
G-Skill F2-6400CL5D-2GBBNQ
ATI X1600Pro Pci X 512mb (x2)
Maxtor 160GB Sata
Philips SPD2513
Pioneer 112D
Samsung Syncmaster 216BW
Antec 900

[patio]

How long was the CMOS battery out ? ?
When doing this unplug from the wall and also hit the power button a few times to discharge any stored energy...
Leave it out for 5 minutes or so after doing it this way.

[cruise]

5-10 minutes maybe. should i remove for longer?

[patio]

See above...