Dead after replacing battery

[jtimblin]

After replacing a dead battery on my 2001 Boxster, everything works but the ignition does not even begin to turn over.

Details;

The ignition switch was replaced over 6 months ago and has worked flawlessly.
The battery died a normal death, startling slowly until it needed a jumpstart to start.
The new battery is fully charged, trickle charged, and full of water.
The battery connections and connections coming off the cables are in great shape.
The battery and oil warning lights come on and stay on.
The radio works properly after entering the code.

The battery was completely dead (and without water) for about a month while I traveled out of the country.

I've tried the trick suggested here, disconnecting the negative terminal and reconnected.

This results in an ignition switch that does not even involve a hidden click anywhere.

A friend with a Honda said he had a similar condition, and needed the car towed to a dealership to have the key reprogrammed.

Has anyone seen this before?

Thanks;

Jeff
Raleigh, NC

"In my opinion, there's nothing in this world, Beats a 52 Vincent and a red headed girl.
Now Nortons and Indians and Greeves won't do,
Ah, they don't have a soul like a Vincent 52"