There are lots of possible problems here.
System RAM needs to be fast (off the top of my head 80ns -- correctly guessed) and 2MB SIMMs don't work. You have to have functioning RAM for the Mac to boot enough to display anything on screen -- there's no VRAM.
The monitor has to sync nicely with the IIci built-in video card. Few monitors do.
For feedback on booting, you should get some indication just by putting your small fingers on top of the disk drive. Or try booting from a floppy disk -- anything with a system file should give audible feedback from the floppy drive.
System RAM needs to be fast (off the top of my head 80ns -- correctly guessed) and 2MB SIMMs don't work. You have to have functioning RAM for the Mac to boot enough to display anything on screen -- there's no VRAM.
The monitor has to sync nicely with the IIci built-in video card. Few monitors do.
For feedback on booting, you should get some indication just by putting your small fingers on top of the disk drive. Or try booting from a floppy disk -- anything with a system file should give audible feedback from the floppy drive.