Engine won't start

In the answer, the fuel rail is not in the same location. But here's what I've found. I checked all fuses and relays. I cannot hear the fuel pump coming on, even for a second. Disconnected the fuel line from the fuel rail above the engine and no fuel coming out (here is something I'll refer to later). Disconnected the fuel line after the fuel filter and no fuel comes out except a dribble that may have been remaining in the line, cannot hear fuel pump engaging. I disconnected the battery and then re-connected it in case some code was causing the pump to not work. No change. I disconnected the electrical plug that goes to the fuel pump. Voltage checks good. Plugged it back into the fuel pump and now I hear the fuel pump coming on for a few seconds then shuts off (sounds normal) but no fuel coming out of the disconnected lines (must be a clogged fuel filter--right?--But how does a fuel filter clog so fast? It usually begins to get suggish first). After a hassle with Autozone by the next afternoon I'm installing a new fuel filter. While re-disconnecting the fuel line at the end of the fuel tank and before the line runs the length of the van, a little more fuel comes out on my hand. Where did that fuel come from? Noooo, it can't be! The fuel lines have spring loaded valves! This stops the fuel from flowing should they not be connected correctly or come off. That's why no fuel came out when the pump started working! I've already bought the new filter so I finish installing it anyway. All lines connected except at the engine fuel rail. I turn the key, hear the pump come on and then off. I go to the fuel line at the fuel rail, insert a screw driver to compress the spring loaded valve, and fuel shoots out. I connect that line back to the rail and the engine cranks. Soooo, apparently the only problem must have been a bad connection with the electrical plug at the pump. (72 hours of hassle and wasted time, hassle with Autozone for the part that didn't get delivered, then had to drive 35 miles to get the part, an afternoon doing the testing in the rain. No, a raincoat doesn't help while I was laying under the van in a puddle of rain water. All for a simple connection that just needed cleaning. Oh, I took the old filter home-blew air into the inlet line and fuel came out the outlet line-with the sping valve compressed).