It sounds like you did all the easy steps. Did you try to momentarily short the meter probes between ohm and common? Sometimes the meter thinks it is still in shipping mode. Also, does the LED blink under any condition? The LED is located on the bottom of the meter at the end that has the batteries. You may need to be in a fairly dark room to see the LED because in some modes it can be a be a very brief dim flash. — Duane