how can i fix my light?

I am not an electrican but a physics/electronics teacher. As you described .... to get the tester screwdriver to work you can have an electrical path via your body to the floor to make the neon light .... this route will carry the small current needed ... you do not need a working neutral wire to make this happen.
It sounds to me that the pin connections for the lamp to fit into place are at fault. It could be that either or both of them are stuck down. In attempting to repair switch off the mains electricity.
Remember - just because the lamp doesn't work it doesn't mean you can't be given an electric shock.

best wishes Nyge
March 2011

You say socket, Which socket? If it is a portable lamp. are you testing the wall socket? If so check the fuse in the plug. If you are testing at the lamp socket, Silly I dont even try that. More information would be required to give further answer

Sheepdog
March 2011

If you have a damaged dimmer in the circuit your tester will still light up but will not allow current through disconnect the dimmer and try the circuit again.

maintenance man
March 2011

if there is power to the socket then it must be a problem with the neutral or socket

brian
February 2011

thanks brian, tried it but only the live makes the tester light up, any other ideas?
i don't know if it makes a difference but there is two switches to the light and one is a dimmer switch, could it be a probem with the switches?
although i didn't think so as power is still getting to the socket???

leon dodd
February 2011

you could have a loose or disconnected neutral one sign is the neutral will cause mains tester to light up as if it's live retest and check socket

brian
February 2011