need help with 74HC04 chip to invert high to low

Grumpy_Mike:
While all inputs should be connected to something, it is not something that will stop the gate working. In fact I have never had problems with this when testing circuits.

I should have mentioned that leaving them open won't stop it working, (although it is theoretically possible to damage the chip), but it's just good practice not to leave unused inputs floating due to excessive current draw.