ok, i think i know the answer, but I'l check with u all anyway. sometime in the last couple of weeks my reverse lights have ceased to function. the globes seem good, as do the connections, so i figured the problem was probably at the switch. is the switch in the side of the gearbox the reverse switch? if so there is power going into the switch, but none coming out whether or not the car is in reverse, so i figure the switch is broken. does this seem correct/logical?

That sounds very logical and correct.

also check the earth.. mmm

Turn ignition on,
select reverse gear,
pull wires off geabox switch,
touch/hold/join wires together,
reverse lights on,
.........................yes!!! (equals bad switch)

Theres also a fuse to check in a black holder in the left hand side of the engine bay... it attaches to the coil.

do you have bulbs in there at all.. not so silly until ya check that their there n next do thay work or blown..
more stuff to look at but ya gotta checkm..