[AtlUmpSteve]

You didn't say if it was an ASA or NFHS game, nor did you indicate if the hands had touched yet (pitcher begins windup). That matters.

In NFHS, the pitch begins with any pitching motion, so it should be a ball, and a live ball. In ASA, the pitch begins when the hands touch and then separate, so it may not have been a pitch, yet, depending on when this particular pitcher brings her hands together. If prior to "begins windup", then same ruling, ball and live ball; but if the hands were not together yet, all we have is a live ball, and yes, a "no pitch".

A "no pitch" is not necessarily a dead ball, unless the umpire actually chooses to kill the play.