lights do not go on but i can verify that power is delivered from the switch to the light
Since you have power you must not have a return path or neutral that is making contact. In these cases a real volt meter is helpful, but checking the neutral at the panel and any connection points you may visually spot the damage, as I did today on a circuit that was not working. I pulled the device out and the neutral wire had burned off. If you can trace the cable from the panel, make sure if it goes through any outlets you check them; also, it could be any place on the run from the panel to the light that is causing the problem.