In most cars since the mid-80's, the fuel pump is in the gas tank. This is an electric pump and the only way it stays cool is by the surrounding gas. If you run empty or close, this pump can overheat and fail. Also an empty tank will pump dirt & sludge to your fuel filter and clog it preventing fuel flow. Some high mileage cars can have the fuel level sensor which is also in the tank fowled by the shellac and other additives in the gas itself (Sunoco & Shell are the worst from my investigations)and this will give you a false level reading causing you to run out even tho the gauge reads a 1/4 tank.(voice of experience)If you run out, turn the key off immediately; no flow-replace the filter; still no flow, check the fuel pressure thru the valve on the fuel rail to see if you have gas(like tire valve-depress stem while key on momentarily-no smoking here)still no gas, you probably burnt out your fuel pump. 2 weeks after I ran out of gas, the pump failed and with the tow it cost me $500. Moral: don't let your fuel level get below a 1/4tank and if the car is high mileage; a 1/2 tank.
It would appear you did more than run out of gas. The pump in the tank is electric. Turning the key cycles the pump. There is a check valve (flows one way) after the pump, so the fuel should be ready to go. However, if you pull the air intake hose off the throttle body, you can spray starting fluid in there. But it should still start regardless of the fluid, if you only ran out of gas.
