GS724TP faulty, unable to get support to utilise hardware warranty

Hi

I have a GS724TP network switch that has failed, but I cannot get any response from support or even get any kind of access to support after login to netgear.  I have no extended contract of support and never want one.  The unit is several years old and I was happy with it.  I have even replaced it with an updated Netgear managed switch.  I got a ticket number to my first attempt (Case Number - 40646755).

 It is pretty obvious what's wrong.  When I start the switch the power light is green and ports 1 to 20 light up momentarily on boot, but ports 21 to 24 don't light up.  I cannot connect to the switch as, due to it failing to boot correctly, it has no IP address, no web interface etc.  The factory reset does nothing when pressed for 3 secs, 30 secs, 10 minutes and rebooted whilst still held etc.

I have never updated the firmware since new, and cannot communicate with the device from a PC.  I treid all the reset methods, looking for the default IP, pinged the IP - no response, and tried wireshark to see handshake, but all failed.

How do I get support, so as to get an RMA code to allow return under hardware warranty.  I am in the UK and don't even see a UK support available, so will I have to send this to Australia if replacement is agreed?

Right now I am totally unimpressed with Netgear giving what appears to be a useless warranty that can never be activaed.

Please help.