replaced column & key, after first key/chip was broken, car will not get spark

[ryan vaughan]

Have a 2001 nissan altima and the key and chip in it were broken. I replaced the column and key as a pair. I went to a junkyard and paid 75.00, instead of getting a new key, because it was cheaper---however car still does not fire up, no spark. Is there a program sequence or a component I should have gotten with the pair. I was on a low budget fix and still am--my girlfriend needs the car for work, please help fast.