DC power for USB Arduino

i have same problem with dc power;
the program do not run, but i have power in the board;
the power led is on and the led at pin 13 blink at start but no longer with blinking program.
i´m using;
arduino NG with atmega 168
9v batery center positive
pin in 2-3 position.

i have 8 boards with the same problem.
any idea or sugestion?
what about using a 5v batery by the usb conector?

thanks!