Interesting. Sounds like a similar problem I've had with my Sony digital recorder. Maddening when it happens. Though in this instance the +- contacts for the batteries are not movable. Wondering if using more expensive high-quality alkaline batteries would make a difference. Hmmm.
Glad you got it to work again though.
False economy that, why pay a fortune for expensive batteries when Pound Land batteries are about a third of the price and probably last longer?