Then that was the problem with mine. I never charged them before I put them in. I've never had problems with mine either. The only thing I've had is deer not being centered in the picture, but hopefully I fixed that when I put a half inch of tape on both sides of the sensore. I'll find out if it works in a couple months or so. I've also thought about switching to a digital. It would save me alot of money in the long run but I don't feel safe putting a $300 camera on a tree and leaving it for 3 weeks. Knowing my luck some yahoo would tresspass and stumble upon the camera and walk off with a new toy.