I just can't get it to work, new batteries and all.

First check if the remote control is sending an infrared signal. If the LED is flashing, this does not mean the Remote control is sending the IR signal. There is a separet Infrared LEd that sends the signal. To check the IR, point the remote control in a video camera or any camera with real-time monitor (phone cam, webcam, etc.) and press any button. You will see a white flash coming from the Remote control. thjis works best if the camera is black&white, for color camera, the IR is still visible but quite faint. Another way of checking the IR (if you do not have a camera) is to press the RM in front of another device with remote control and while doing so, press the correct remote control . If that other does not function or functions erratically, then the remote control in question is emitting an IR signal. If there is no IR coming out, the solder conection of the IR LED might be the problem. It is rare that the IR LED will be damage because the remote control is only 3 volts. If the remote control does emit an IR signal, then the TV remote reciever is defective. I had this problem with a CD player that I have fixed. The IR reciever looks like an LED (dark colored) with three pins (V+, signal, ground). Cost less than $3