Light does not come on, nor does it heat up

Some fryers have safety switches on the heating element, this is so they can not be turned on when not properly installed into the unit. Check to see if there are grooves or slots on the side of the fryer which correspond to grooves or slots on heating element. Then slide the heating element into the slots on the fryer.
Safety switch in most cases can not be seen and can not be disengaged by hand. The heating element must be installed properly in order to work. It may be illustrated clearly in the owners manual.
Do not try this with out oil in the Fryer!!