Pissed at my Maxima Stereo, need some help to make the new stereo actually work

[Legomaniacj]

I removed the old, stock stereo in my 98 Nissan Maxima. Took me 2 days to get the old one totally out, and I refuse to put it back in again. Today, I attempted, with my bf's help, to do the wiring for the new head unit (Sony), by putting the converter on it for my car type. Connected all the wires and proceeded to hook the stereo up in the car. Plug outlet 1 in, remote antenna goes up and the car is not even running (not suppose to happen until you turn the stereo on to AM/FM and not CD), plug outlet 2 in, turn on the car. radio will not turn on or do anything. What I need to know is why, and if I connected 2 wires that are not suppose to be together?

Some thoughts: the black thick wire with the 2 prongs on the end of it inside the car that was connected to the old stereo, is the main power supply? and I need to get a converter for that too so it plugs in? not sure, my first thoughts were that was for the radio, like it was in my old car.

the sooner I can get help with this the better, as I leave monday morning early to head back to college (spring break right now)