Is there anything at all on the display? If not then . . .
Ensure that there are batteries in the instrument. Handheld spheres cannot operate unless there are batteries in the unit and they need to at least have a partial charge. The AC adaptor alone will not operate the unit.
Check the interface cable if a computer is involved. Assure that it is properly connected at each end and that it appears not to be damaged. X-Rite cables have a pigtail at the computer end where the AC adaptor may be attached. If the adaptor is attached here, unplug it and try it directly plugged into the instrument.
If the preceding action now supplies power to the instrument then the cable is faulty and will need to be replaced (SE108-92 typically).
If you have access to a voltmeter, directly test the AC adaptor to see if it is functional. Or if you have more than one adaptor, try a second one to see if it will power up the instrument.
If AC adaptor seems to be functional and attaching it directly to the instrument still fails to provide a display then one of two things are possible: 1) the instrument is damaged, or 2) the display contrast has been set to an unusable level. Our only and last option is to reset the instrument*, to return to normal operation.
If none of the above resolve the issue, then the instrument requires repair. An RMA is required to track the instrument through the repair process.
Faint or dark Display:
Instrument firmware allows the user to increase or decrease display contrast. It is possible to set the contrast so low that the unit appears to be dead (no display at all). Similarly, it is possible to set the contrast so high that the display is an opaque black square.
If you can see at least a little, enter the configuration menu (Please see secion 4-22) and attempt to reset the display contrast.
If there is not enough contrast to allow for the above, we must resort to an instrument reset*.
The instrument should now be operating properly. If not then the instrument requires repair. An RMA is required to track the instrument through the repair process.
* Note that any and all stored data will be lost if a reset is performed. At this point there are no other options. After reset the instrument must be calibrated
See also:
Calibrating the SP60, SP62, & SP64
and
Instrument Settings following a factory reset