Sounds like they are shot. Maybe the roots got too wet. Try reading up on what you are trying to do before trying again. Books on maples specifically may have propagation hints you can use, as well as books on plant propagation.

Hi.....
Most of Japanese maple propergators do not attempt to grow J maples from cuttting. If you have sophicated propagation facility, then you will have some J maple cuttings develope roots but will take time. It is easier to start from seed and graft later than grow from cuttings.

Mike Y