The only explanation that I can think of is that the switch is stuck closed. If you have a meter you can test to see if the circuit opens and closes when the switch is depressed.

Is this a switch you've used for such a thing before?

Some "buttons" are N.C. (Normally closed) - this means it makes a connection when you are NOT pressing the button, and opens the connection when pressed.

When you press (and hold) the button, does the system POST?

If yes, it's an N.C. button, if no the button(or it's wiring) is defective.

If you have access to a multimeter, you can test connectivity of the button when pressed and while NOT pressed.

Thanks to both of you. I've used the switch before but it doesn't click when depressed, it always felt "squishy" if that makes sense. Now on this motherboard it isn't working for me. I have no idea if the switch has gone bad in the interim but that seems the likely culprit...I won't know for sure until I find my multimeter and test it.

Assuming the switch itself is bad, what's the fix?

cloverskull wrote on 2026-07-27, 22:59:

Thanks to both of you. I've used the switch before but it doesn't click when depressed, it always felt "squishy" if that makes sense. Now on this motherboard it isn't working for me. I have no idea if the switch has gone bad in the interim but that seems the likely culprit...I won't know for sure until I find my multimeter and test it.

Assuming the switch itself is bad, what's the fix?

Replace the switch, unless it can be disassembled and you can unstick it

If the contacts are stuck together because of corrosion or oxidisation, maybe if you spray contact cleaner into it and mash the button a bunch it might restore it

cloverskull wrote on 2026-07-27, 22:59:

Thanks to both of you. I've used the switch before but it doesn't click when depressed, it always felt "squishy" if that makes sense. Now on this motherboard it isn't working for me. I have no idea if the switch has gone bad in the interim but that seems the likely culprit...I won't know for sure until I find my multimeter and test it.

Assuming the switch itself is bad, what's the fix?

Some contact cleaner might do it.

"not clicking" is not uncommon for a push button - typically only the better ones "click", not normally needed/used in a RESET circuit.

Did you try holding it down - just to confirm that it's not N.C.?

Fix is easy - replace it. The only "tricky" parts can be if it's embedded in some sort of front-panel insert (where you have to figure out how to fit a different one), or you have no soldering skills.
(Then you find a friend that does, or take it to a repaid shop)

You could check the insides. Sometimes taking it apart and putting it back together fixes it. But if you see damage in there, it's most likely on the button part, where the spring rides in a path, which is the "action" of the switch.

To open it, you gently fold the ears (using a pin or small screwdriver) and pull it apart , slowly.

This next type of switch is a bit tougher to open AND reassemble. You push the grey part in/black part out while pulling, one side at a time. On both these switches, the spring has to sit on the bottom on the "c" shaped spring piece, which applies tension

Replacing it is the easiest option and guarantees success.

Thanks for the help and especially for the photos, I appreciate it!