Sb600 wireless mode not working...

hi
i have a nikon d70 and an sb600 flash. all was working well until i tried to use the sb600 in remote mode. worked very well for a couple of months then started becoming sporadic. and now, it works for the first 2/3 shots then nothing. even the built in flash stops working. so i have to shut off the camera and leave it, until the next day when the same happens (ie works for the first few shots then nothing).
all the settings on the camera is fine, all the settings on the flash unit is as it should be.

the wireless facility on the sb600 is a fantastic asset and i would use it a lot more if it worked. just very frustrating that i can't seem to get a solution to this problem anywhere.
appreceate any help!