I've had a few different problems like this before...

Try punching the dash a few times - sounds crazy but my old nissan used to do it and my new pulsar does it. If you have a short or loose connection the lights should come on and off. If not then try taking out the gauge cluster (it's easy) and test the bulbs, if they work then try the connector pins. You can figure out which one goes to the lights by following the copper outlines by the bulbs over to the connector area, and then just count up the lines and match it to the pins. Good luck.