So how much is a battery and can i get it at like, Best Buy?

CR2032 lithium battery (3 volt, 220mAH rating) or equivalent

Should be able to get at any comp supply store

Under $2

thanks for all your help.

no problem

let us know how it goes!

"... & also try to plug straight into an outlet just to test."

I haven't seen mention of this being done. This measure will help narrow down the problem to either the system or the surge protection unit. This is important. If you just start changing things on the system and it turns out that the problem lies with the surge protector, you're wasting time and money.

^ thank you. im going to try that.