It is possible that the battery is dead. Just because a battery reads 4.8 votl, does not mean it has the amperage to keep the remote on.

However, have you tried regular AA batteries? If you have, and the results are the same, then the problem is the connections. A few people have complained about colder solders for the connections in the remote.

First try the AA batteries. Even if you dont have the spacer, try it anyways. Of course you wouldn't be able to use the remote for "ever". But at least you are testing.

Rob