Fuel Pump Issue

The exact same thing happened to me about 2 months ago!

Take out the fuel pump completely (off the tank), and hook it to a charging station for a car battery. Set it on low voltage or whatever is closest to what the fuel pump requires (sorry I don't have the numbers off the top of my head). and honestly I didn't care if it was more voltage than it needed. I was just screwin around...anyways,
Once it's hooked up to voltage, tap on the pump several times with a wrench. Don't destroy the thing, just give it some firm taps.

I tried this and IT STARTED RUNNING AGAIN!!!. My fuel pump primes every time and the bike has started ever since. -not sure how long it'l last, but its a cheap fix. No problems since.

Hope this helps a bit. Its worth a try as stupid as it may sound. My buddy used to tap on diesel truck fuel pumps and get em running again too. thats what made us think to try it. tap tap tap tap - Wheeeeeeeeee.... good to go.

hope this helps a bit. Try it. It's worth a shot, and it worked for me.

I think your fuel pump is seized. try tapping on it a few times with a wrench while its under voltage. Or you can spend a few hundred dollars. Those are your two choices. rusty tank = fuel pump will likely be first casualty. dont buy a new one without tappin on the old one. I can't stress that enough. Everyone here seems to think it has something to do with the electrical system on the 97's, but I assure you, it most likely does NOT. I've got quite a neglected TL from 97, but I've never had problems with fuel pump that relate to a tip sensor, kick stand, or starter relay. thats all rubbish. I understand those are good things to check, but if your fuel pump wont prime, and its getting voltage, there are only a few things left to try. One is free. The other is costly. See above...
Once again, I hope my banter has in some way helped you to find a solution. No disrespect intended to anyone with differing opinions.
get that thing started. Get a new tank soon. Rust is not a friend of gasoline! =(