The standoffs do not thread well into the case. It seems like a mismatch between the standoffs and the holes in the case. I paid $35 for the case. It would cost me more than that to send it back.

You're using the standoffs that came with the case, right?

Behind every good computer... is a jumble of wires 'n stuff.

I am considering setting up the board without being in the case. This way I would know whether all is well. What is the minimum components I would have to install?

Did the standoff come with the case, or with the motherboard? There are typically 4 kinds of screws in a desktop computer. Thumbscrews can, but shouldn't be used to fasten motherboards, as they can be awkward and the heads can be too large. Fan screws are wrong. M3 hex screws might work but they will not hold well. I suspect that's what you tried. In most instances, the right screw for motherboard mounting is the #6-32.

The right screws usually come with the case or the board. Any computer shop will have handfulls to give away.

Going without standoffs is risky, as you may short out the board.

I have been there with the standoffs and screw size. Luckily I have about a five lb. bag of various computer screws from my repair days. I would check a computer shop and take a standoff to fit. Otherwise you will cause yourself possible problems. If anything the shops are overloaded with screws.

I installed the processor, the cooler and the memory. I put the memory in slots 2 and 4. I just realized that because of the way I oriented the cooler, I wont be able to put memory into slot 1. Since I have no immediate plans for adding more memory, I will leave it that way for the time being.

I hooked up the power supply and the monitor. I shorted out the power pin on the mother board. Nothing.

I think you're doing something wrong. Tell us what case and what motherboard.