I have worked with a lot of nrf's and have faced numerous problems at times.
Simple NRf tutorial is like the master key for starting to solve the problem from root.
Your case looks a little complicated maybe because you are not able to get things done properly. Follow this tutorial and start from checking the connections and wiring.
Here are some advices from my experience:
- Utilise the builtin library functions for checking if Nrf is connected properly .(i.e. isChipConnected() ).
- Try to keep some distance between both nrf's .
- Keep connection wires short in length .
- Use Ack packet functionality to keep check on connection.
- Use a good power source (Uno and mega's built-in would do in some cases)
- Avoid silly mistakes in program( eg. different codes copied from internet give different response packets which newbies find hard to solve)
- Check for burnt modules .(check for heating and power consumption)
- First establish connection using basic code before moving to complex data transfer or tasks.
Try the above and tell if that resolves.