Won't start

My '97 Expedition won't start. When you turn the key, all the lights go out, then a relay under the dash on the passenger side starts clicking. After it stops clicking, 2 relays under the dash on the right side start clicking. Those 2 relays are #5 and #2. The one under the right side dash is from a cluster of 3, and is the one facing the back of the car on the bottom.
I tried jumping the car earlier, but the same thing happened.
The clicking happens after turning the key, but keeps clicking after the key is removed.

Does anyone have any idea what is going on?
Thanks in advance.

You may email me directly at alabellada@aol.com

First thing that comes to mind is a shorted battery. Second thing that comes to mind is a rotten connection on one of the cables. Third thing that comes to mind is an open in the cable end itself (yes, I have seen this).

Thank you Great Longbowlio. Your wisdom has brought my vehicle back to life. Thanks again.

I have a 97 Exp that won,t turn over when the key is turned tried replacing the battery cables and tracing wiring next step is to mess with the trans range sensor any ideas could use the help