Oracle:
I've been going over my schematic, comparing to the datasheets, my .brd file and the physical board with a continuity tester and so far I don't see any problems. I'm worried that I might have a problem because I bought the cheap eBay max7219's and now I have no clue how to diagnose it. I can post the schematic but since I used a bus on the outputs I don't think it will be very helpful.
A schematic is always helpful and/or a good resolution image of your board. Is the thing wired per this tutorial Arduino Playground - HomePage if so then use a simple power circuit with current limiting resistor to buzz out some/each LED by touching to corresponding pins on the MAX7219 (I.E. LED top left lights if V+ to pin 22 and GND to pin 2, bottom left lights if V+ to pin 17 and GND to pin 8 ) If no LED's light then try swapping polarity (V+ to pin 2 and GND to pin 22) If this lights then your LED's are the wrong way round.