I have 2 34 watt fluorescent lights for my kitchen. I used to have 36 watt lights, but replaced them. My problem is that the 36 watt lights did not blow out, nor did the 34 watt lights, but my lights do not come on. I checked the circuit breaker and that seemed fine. Tomorrow I am going to turn the breaker off then on and see if that works. Everything else is fine and working in the house. Does anyone have any ideas what's wrong or what I can do to fix the problem myself? I am not an electrician, so I will not rewire my house.

Each fluorescent fixture contains a ballast, which is a special transformer designed to increase voltage and limit current to start and run a fluorescent lamp. Open you fixture and you should find a black box with several wires coming out of it. Note the model number and type and quantity of lamps it is operating and purchase a replacement.

This is of course, you have checked for 120 volts input at the fixture to be sure the circuit and switch is operating properly.

Also be sure that the fixture is grounded properly, as fluorescent lamps need a grounded surface to start.