I'm pretty sure these are new batteries, but will get another brand new set just in case.

No, I have never actually connected and uploaded code to them, at least I don't think so. I think the one time it said it went through, I was actually disconnected from the Gateway and it had automatically connected to the Virtual Gateway? I really have no way of verifying as I cant connect to them to see what's happening.

I'm still not sure if the Gateway is up to date. I've tried dozens of times, using the method in the instructions. I just don't get how you can ensure that it has "taken"?

Could an incorrect version cause this issue?