As a safety protocol many fuel pumps DO NOT DO ANYTHING when you turn the switch to "ON". The switches are controlled (overridden) by an oil pressure sensor. When the engine is CRANKED by the starter motor the electrical power enables the relay and the pump. The engine starts. Oil pressure rises. The safety oil pressure switch closes and then current goes directly from ignition to fuel pump.
If for some reason the CRANKING override becomes dysfunctional then the fuel pump will not work and residual fuel pressure, luck and crossed fingers will enable an engine to somehow start then run normally.
Just a thought...