I have often wondered if the 5 pack atty's from TW are atty's that are DOA from atty's that were returned for not either working or because they were still under warranty and they in fact did not work like they should. I mean, how can they sell a mega pack for so cheap??? I too have been guilty of such a purchase, but, because I have had the same problem that you are experiencing, makes me think that these atty's are indeed throwaways that were returned for being defective. It's all in the name of money for these companies, and I assume they have to do what they have to in order to survive. Lesson learned, buy new and get the best ones that you know and trust, with a 6 month warranty.