an engine needs 3 things to run:
correct timing
fuel
spark
with those three things (even if one is slightly off or weak) the car will attempt to start.
if you arent getting any combustion, check the timing one more time. do a compression test as stated above. even with shotty compression, the engine should still attempt to fire. check your firing order, verify that is correct. check to see if the cyliders are flooded as all hell (chances are youve been cranking the piss out of it trying to get it to start, and if theres no combustion then that fuel is just sitting in there)
you gotta give us some more precise info on what exactly it sounds like. combustion has a unique sound, and an engine just turning over has a unique sound.