IMac won't boot after factory setting restore

I stupidly changed all the permission settings on my day old iMac HD. The folder of work I migrated was showing up as read only, so I unwittingly changed the whole HD to read and write permission.
Since then I have been unable to boot the computer up. The screen goes straight to grey screen, the apple logo appears then the loading wheel graphic.... and it sticks at this.
I have done the following to try and rectify:
1. Removed all peripherals. Unplugged are replugged.
2. Repaired disk in disk utility (no problems found)
3. Repaired permissions in the disk utility (disk repaired sucessfully)
4. Booted to reset NVRAM/PRAM
5. Erased and reinstalled OS (twice)
Nothing has worked so far.
Can anyone advise, before I have to speak to a Genius?
Thanks

Like Barry, I can only think of trying an SMC reset: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3964
Failing that, unless someone else has some other suggestions, it's looking like a call to a Genius.
Good luck and let us know what the fix was if the Genius manages to get it going.

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