HPS LIGHT PROBLEM

I have been vegging under CFLS and went to setup my HPS and switch to flowing today. I hung my 400w aircooled light up and plugged it in for a split second (it began to light up instantly), then quickly unplugged it before it lit all the way up because I wanted to remove some tape I had placed around the outlet. After completely preparing the setup how I wanted it I went back to plug the light in. I can hear the ballast kick on and coninue running but nothing from the bulb, not a flicker or anything. Could I have blown or damaged the bulb? Its never been used before except when I test ran it for about 6 hours about a month ago. Could something else be damaged? Any ideas? Id like to get flowering this week

How long did you wait before plugging it back in? My ballasts need to cool off for a bit before they'll fire back up.

Only like 10 minutes, but it didn't have time to get hot... it was only on for a nano second I dont even think it was all the way plugged in.

Anyways, I tried a few things I came across researching the question. Keep it unplugged for 10-15 minutes then try again, nothing. Unscrew the bulb let it sit for a few then try again, nothing. Then I just left it plugged in and left it alone. I checked it about 30 minutes later and nothing. I left for about 4 hours and checked when I got home and could not believe it, it was on! The damn things not plugged into my timer though....

Im gonna wait till the timer is set to cut off then unplug it and set it all up and hope for the best. Any ideas what could have been the problem? Something going bad with my ballast? I hope it doesn't take that long to come on every time...

Shitty ballast...invest in better 1. Good luck mickey mack