HMMM, not sure why it would drain 4 batteries and not all.... I'd put8 brand new batteries in the camera and put it in a high traffic area like the kids playroom or the office and see what it does. Set it to take 3 shots every 30 seconds and leave it for a couple days. That should simulate several weeks in the woods under normal conditions. See what happens then. Check your batteries to see if they have different voltage readings. I know the cams will work with 4 batteries installed closest to the hinge, but will nor work with just 4 batteries on the other side. If the batteries are dead that are closest to the hinge then I'd say there is a short or something.