well, assuming it attempts to as far as the eatc and the air control doors goes (it sends air to the panel vents and fan is running, with no air going across heater core), their is only a couple things that will keep the compressor from running... low pressure in system (the low press cut out switch opening to protect the compressor), excess pressure (same switch used to protect compressor and system from pressures being too high), or clutch not engaging.
need to know if the refridgerant pressures are right before jumping to conclusions...