I would check the battery and cables. Don't go by looks, you can not tell that way. remove the leads and check for oxidation. If it's not the cable connections it's the battery, dead. Charge up then see if every thing works if so, have your charging system checked. A new battery is not fully charged, and you can get a bad one. Take nothing for granted. When ever you get your lights to work the starter probably will too.
The screw driver trick by passes the ignition switch. By shorting the battery lug to the small post right next to it.