1st you need to check the apache logs and verify what the real issue is.
Seeing as you have root access to the server, verify apaches log location, as it varies from O/S to O/S, as well its dependent on the control panel installed.
Run this cmd to find out apaches current running location.
ps ax | grep httpd
Linux
tail -f /etc/httpd/logs/error_log
tail -f /usr/local/apache/logs/error_log
Debian
tail -f /var/log/apache2/error.log
You may need to enable apache's debug mode.
Edit httpd.conf or apache.conf (this varies from OS to OS as well.)
Add or edit to show the following and HUP apache
LogLevel debug
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