So I recently changed some plugs in my basement the wires have power and the plug has power but when I try and connect something to it the power doesn't turn on even though the cord I connected has power? And now I'm stuck because I've checked everything and don't know what else to do

Check it with a polarity tester (like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/OUTLET-PLUG-3-PRONG-GROUNG-POLARITY-TESTER-TEST-OUTLETS-/380203376789#ht_1345wt_905) to make sure you're not lacking a neutral or hot connection.

Okay, bare with me for a minute, please.

Exactly how did you determine that you have voltage at the outlets?

Did you use a multi-meter? If so, how much voltage did you see?

What are you trying to operate?

Polarity could be reversed? Common is being plugged into the hot side, vice/versa?