I realize this is an old thread, but I thought I would throw in my 2 cents. There are times when you can do everything right, or by the book and still not get any pressure on your brake lever. Especially when everything is new or rebuilt, and full of air. When bleeding by the book doesn't work, next I will "back bleed" from the bottom up with an oil can which I normally have good success with. If that doesn't work, then what I'll do is take off the master cylinder, brake line, and caliper all still connected and bring them over to my work bench. I put the caliper in a vise on top of the bench, and put the m/c on the floor, clamped so the top is level and it doesn't move around. (I use this method because I don't have any specific brake bleeding tools or a giant syringe.) The only other thing you need is a piece of clear tubing with 1/4 inch inner diameter. Only a couple of bucks from your local hardware store. I use one about 6 feet long to go from the bleeder valve down to the floor and back up because I don't want to get any in my mouth. Take the cap off the m/c in case you need to add any fluid. I'll usually suck on the hose to build up vacuum before I open the bleeder. Open the bleeder, suck a little bit and you will see a little fluid and air bubbles. Shut the bleeder while still sucking. A couple of times usually is all it takes to build up pressure on your lever if you have fluid in everything. It takes a couple of extra minutes, but this is my guaranteed method when all else fails, and the only mess you have to clean up is inside the clear tube.