how are you going to do that if the damn thing doesn't boot?

build a small elektrical scheme :)
a few elco's and so create non-stop power on signals
and it stops when your 12v rail is powered on

what is hanging on the usb port?
cause if there is a intelli mouse ore a cordless desktop on there you could have problems whith start up because it draws to much power from that port the max power you can drain from all usb port depents on the mb manufactor there is no standard.
normely it's 500mA .there are pheriperals that take more than the mb can deliver and thats why de power doesnt com on.

I've the same problem, I'm using a KR7A-RAID mobo and I decided to always put my PC in stand-by instead of shutting it down... It helps to avoid excessive pressure on the button :hello:

good link, thanks