Penalized without knowing Why?

How can one differ from PR0 and Penalized Site

[dinnerware]

Our site ... (add etc.com)seems to dwell with a PR0 after we have had numerous incoming links with PR of 5+ However, the links do not pick up with Google and the PR is still at 0. How can I tell if I am Penalized?, I swear on my life we have never crossed the line. Help!

[Bluesplinter]

You might just have to accept it and move on. I run a non-profit site for missionaries (in my profile) that has good links (including two PR5+ on ODP and the corresponding Google Directory links), with zero SEO, and the site has a white bar PR0.

I've written to [e-mail] twice asking them to check into it, both times mentioning WebmasterWorld and GoogleGuy, and I've heard nothing for two updates now.

I've given up hope. If I did anything wrong, I can't think what it was, since I did nothing to optimize it for any search engines. It works well for the user, and is easy to maintain, but no one can find it via Google.

Oh well.

[dinnerware]

I also sent an email a month ago, no response. I would give anything to know if we were penalized but I seriously doubt we are but I can think of no other reason. The mystery continues...

[Seth Finkelstein]

Did you get an expired domain?
Those have been PR0'ed in some cases.
Only new links count. Old links don't.

[dinnerware]

I don't beleive it was expired. I purchased it from Register.com two years ago. Can I go back and check that type of info? Also, if it was (not sure) does it hurt you to request re-inlusion from Google even if you are unsure if you were penalized?