I have seen several forum threads where backplate grounding catches were mentioned, and the fact that without them you would blow your MB. Are those the metal tabs on the back ports? If so, where do they go to ensure proper grounding? Will the MB actual not work if they are incorrect? I'm asking because I have a fully build PC (except for GPU), but have not powered it up yet as I am waiting to borrow my friends (or maybe the Surplus's) boot disk. So, though it would be possible, I would love not to have to dissassemble everything and reinsert the motherboard. Thanks!
I believe the tabs are what is meant, but I'm not quite sure. All I saw was that a couple of people were talking about blowing out a mobo if you didn't have proper backplate grounding.
Your PSU is grounded. Your PSU is in contact with your case. Your MOBO is in contact with the case through the standoffs.
I have seen a lot of people who's build wooden cases and that doesn't seem to be much of a problem. It's basically there for static shock and stuff cuz of dust etc. Your mobo will work without it. your mobo is grounded anyways through the 24pin cable.
In my case, I accidently pressed the USB tabs between the IO shield and the port (first build :3). No ports are blocked, but will this cause any other problems? Should I try to just cut the tabs off?
There's very little danger from your IO shields. I've run computers without any IO shields at all. As long as the tabs aren't going into any ports you'll be fine.