2003 4runner instrument cluster lights out

[jkphoto58]

the instrument cluster lights on my 2003 4runner have gone out. the dimmer switch works fine on all the other dash lights. the local toyota dealer was absolutely no help. they tried to sell me turn indicator bulbs, thinking it was for my instrument cluster. I removed the instrument cluster and brought it to them. After taking apart my instrument cluster as far as they could. They brought out two "expert" mechanics to try and figure out why these turn indicator bulbs wouldn't go in to my instrument cluster. they sent me to a man who repairs instrument clusters for a living. he wanted 150 dollars to replace 8 tiny lcd lights . thinking I could just live without the lights I installed the instrument cluster back into the dash. the speedometer also stopped working . I bought a used instrument cluster on ebay. everything works on it except for the instrument lights . I checked all the fuses they all seem fine. the dimmer switch is turned all the way up. is there any other reason the lights behind the tachrometer and speedometer don't work ? sorry for being so long winded but, this has been very frustrating . any help would be very appreciated.