Doesn't sound good at all. Sounds like the software cartridge could have died. More than likely as well, you have probably lost all of your programming too, unless you had it backed up with Norstar manager. Pretty much, expect to start from scratch.
Curlycord is right, the 824's are at least 10 years old. I would suggest finding a MICS with at least release 5.1 software. What kind of equipment do you have currently?
Also, I'm curious - do you have your system on surge suppressors? Are all your phone lines on surge suppressors? Could have come in through electric or phone lines.
John Panzer