PC won't boot after updating

[Generalissimo]

After installing a recent stack if updates, I reset my computer and allowed it to fully apply them. After resetting once more, the BIOS loads but not the OS, all I get is a black screen and mashing F8 yields the same result (that is, nothing)

This is confusing and worrying to me as there have been no other significant faults.

Specs:
Intel quad core processor at 2.67 GHz
8GB SD-RAM
ATI 5870 HD grhics card
500GB HDD
Dell motherboard

What's causing this? Can it be fixed?
I don't have the OS install disk or anything similar
Advanced boot options are inaccessible, both F5 and F8 yields no response

 

[Frezzato]

snip

Start with unplugging any unnecessary USB devices, especially storage, then reboot.

I think it was AWAR or DoPo that recently helped someone with this, but honestly, it's a common mistake that we all make.

Another mistake I make once in a while is I'll leave something on the keyboard without knowing. That once caused a hundred extra tabs to open in Firefox.

 

[Barbas]

When you say resetting, do you mean resetting the BIOS, or just restarting the computer? Also, make sure you've got any unnecessary USB things unplugged before starting the PC up, like FizzyIzze said. I attached my USB headset once without thinking and it mucked up the boot sequence, since I suppose Windows thought I might be trying to boot or install Windows from a USB device.

 

[AWAR]

[small]I hope you already removed all USB devices again because responding to this thread felt a bit awkward..[/small]