I got the kodak easy share 143 model camera coming brand new off of ebay yesterday,,,but it keeps saying my batteries are half drained, then dead after a couple of photos. Then if they're dead it turns off. having it off all night, i turned it BACK on today and it says the batteries aren't dead anymore, but half charged. is this normal? these are alkaline batteries that came with the camera. but this doesn't sound normal or is it maybe a setting I'm using

Alkaline batteries just don't have the power for more than a few pictures in today's power hungry digital cameras. Some batteries may also have reached their shelf life at the store, and though brand-new right out of the package may even have problems just powering startup of the camera. The one's that came with your camera are just to show you that the camera works, but as you've discovered, they'll only last for a few pictures. Digital cameras that use AA's for the most part should only be used with modern rechargeable batteries. If you read the camera's instruction manual concerning batteries, you should see the same recommendation.
Modern rechargeable batteries have over 5 times the power density of alkaline batteries (that's right, they last up to 5 times longer than an alkaline battery. And you can recharge them over and over!). Keep in mind rechargeable batteries will save you much money in the long run over alkalines, AND they'll last for at least 100 pictures per charge (and probably many many more). You'll be very pleased with their performance, and may be angry with yourself for not buying them sooner. When at the store, look on the package for a power rating of at least 2500 mah.

It might be that the batteries you got with the camera are just too old or whatever.

1. Try using fresh batteries.
2. Consider chargeable batteries with a long life such as precharged types like
the Sanyo Eneloop NiMh batteries. But use only a good quality charger.