Often, the sidelights can be activated by the indecators for parking i.e., if the engine is off and you put the left indecator on, it will bring on the left sidelights.
With regards to most of your electrics not working, check that all the wires are connected to the battarie and you havn't missed any off, the power for the engine and the electrics are often different wires, one may have a bad connection. you may neet a multi meter.
Guy, February 2009