I have no power to the sockets. But on examination with a power testing scredriver the screwdriver lights up.
I assume therefore the live wire is live?

Bob, June 2009

neon screwdrivers are pure evil and should not be used other than as a warning not to go any further!
I would switch off the affected circuit(MCB or fuse out)and seek proffesional advise,you will need a qualified electrician for this and should get a test certificate off him after completion of repairs, this fault could lead to fire and or electrocution if you continue or attempt to use you socket outlets.
have you replaced any sockets yourself and connected they badly?
had any building work done?
got a mouse/rat/squirrel problem?

sparkybloke, June 2009

Good assumption - a fault on Neutral then.

And if in the UK and on a Ring Main circuit (most are) then possibly two faults on the Neutral conductor and could be on any socket on the ring.

Use a portable device to discover which sockets are good and which are bad. Fault(s) could be on a working socket either side of the failing one(s).

If all the sockets are bad then the fault may be at the consumer unit and a sparky should be summoned.

Good luck...Take care...

Peccavi, June 2009