Sam Allardyce again decided against fielding a recognised striker, playing Ravel Morrison as the furthest man forward supported down the flanks by Jarvis and Downing with Noble, Nolan and Collison packing the midfield.
Despite dominating the first half for long periods, the Hammers were unable to find a way past Brad Guzan in the Villa goal.
The second half continued much the same as the first. Both teams had chances to win the game but neither could ultimately put the ball in the back of the net.
The draw ends a run of three straight defeats without scoring at the Boleyn Ground for the Hammers.