Hi,

Are you using the console to get the cli or through SSH? 

I have the terminal cable that came with the unit, it is hooked up to the Console Port and then goes through a USB serial adapter into my computer were I am running emulation to access the switch.  This same setup works on my other 5548 switch.  

Using Console to get to cli.

If you are not getting anything there is not anything that you can do, the only ways to reset the switch are through the boot menu, which requires some access. Page 76 downloads.dell.com/.../powerconnect-5500-series_ug_en-us.pdf

So it sounds like something has happened to the boot file.  Console doesn't register anything when it boots.  The power lights flash along with the locator light on the front and not console ability.  It also never finishes booting up.  So I should send it in for repair to dell?

Yes, that would be the best option at this point. 

Josh a very interesting thing happened today.  After leaving the switch unplugged over night.  This morning I was able to to console in to the unit twice, but was unable to erase the startup flash.  The console seemed to be a different login in the I original saw with the unit.  Now after rebooting a third time I seem to be locked out of the console.  Is there a lockout feature on the switch that limits access, or do I need to keep the switch powered off again for a while and then try earning the startup flash?  What would cause the switch to jump to locate mode at startup?

There is not anything that should cause a lockout for access through the console. So you may want to try unplugging it again.