2400c battery not recognized

[COCCORP at aol.com]

Hola; long time Duo user (since '93) - Recent 2400c owner..

Right now I am restricted to using my newly acquired 2400c/180 at home, 
because it will not recognize the battery; trouble is, I do not know if this is 
because the battery is bad or the contacts are bad...

The battery meter in the control stip constantly shows that there is no 
battery installed (the indicator near the date/time in the status bar as well). 
However, when I remove and reinsert the battery, it registers as an drained 
battery FOR A SECOND, but then it reverts to being not seen.

Also, when I try to run the battery recondition program, it tell me that 
there is not battery installed.

Would appreciate any help; also, ala the Duos, is there some sort of way to 
align-realign the battery contacts?

Thanks,
Long Live the Mini-Powerbooks(!),

Craig W.