Ask your retailer just what kind of warranty you got? ASUS is 3 years now, and they can route this sorry excuse for circuitry back through their supplier if they can't get you RMA'd w/ ASUS...
This kind of end support makes manufacturers like ASUS look bad, when normally ASUS makes AWESOME mobos and stands behind their boards...
Sorry you are getting a run around (more like reach around), I would be bit@hing at the retailer and going elsewhere with my business!
LOL
Sariel X