in DFI mainboards used some new Phoenix/Award workstation BIOS 6.0. This version can directly load AWDFLASH.EXE from floppy and pass in parameters first .bin-file from diskette (like awdflash.exe bios.bin /py /sn ). So - DOS not loaded from floppy and DOS-function required for AWDFLASH emulated by BIOS itself. You can invoke AWDFLASH by pressing ALT+F2 while normal startup screen (when showed PRESS DEL FOR ENTER SETUP or ALT-F2 for start AWDFLASH).
And BootBlock also use this way. But i think memory controller incorectly initialised and system hang after loading AWDFLASH. Also i see it on usual Award Bios 6.0 (on MSI-6391MB, i845, SDRAM) - this BIOS with bootblock, which try to load DOS from floppy but hang while DOS starting. So - BootBlock on modern AWARD BIOS 6.0 some brocken - incorectly initialize memory controller and repair by BootBlock impossible
So - many MB manufacturers turn from AWARD to AMI (MSI for example).
Presenting video adapter not critical for BootBlock startup - if video card not available INT10 functions emulated (stubed:).
In may case i change MB under waranty
So - MB go to hardware repair (FLASH IC hard-mounted
P.S. Some companies like Asus modif AWARD BIOS for bugfixes in BootBlock and repair work on Asus MB's
