Camera or cell problem??

A tv remote needs an extremely low amount of power. In fact, many people save the batteries from other devices when they stop working and place them in their remotes. Questions to ask yourself...are the batteries old?....have they been recharged many, many times?...have I accidentally allowed them to completely discharge?...have I cleaned the battery contacts in the camera and the batteries themselves with a cotton swab lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol?