Thanks for the help. Really really appreciate it.
Tried all your suggestions with no luck, different battery amounts, different battery types (none above 12v), polarity, =(
I'm afraid that maybe I broke something when solder the board to a small breadboard?
When connecting the small USB FDTI for programming it lights up so something must be working on the board. Maybe should try as CrossBoards post, using a regulator and connect my power directly VCC port.
Hopefully I can find a regulator tomorrow.