I have made two mods, one with AA rechargeables (3 of them) and one with 3 AAA's. Both vape like a dream. Are you sure you don't have a short? Maybe something got on your atomizer that is making the positive and negative make contact? Is the center pole bending and touching both? Is screwing the atomizer on making the center pole move and make contact with the surrounding fitting? I know you have prob already checked for these things, but 3.6 v is more than enough to make an atty work! I do agree though, if you already have AA's, might as well spend 2 more bucks and get an AA box. I am using both because I have both...and I like the diversity
Check out "inhaler" in the search bar for the forum, this is my new mod that uses 3 AAA's.
Don't think it's not for you just because your first is testing you. I thought modding wasn't for me and after nobody would make one for me, I decided to...and then found nico's instructions and modified them to work with my atty and now I'm having tons of fun. I can't walk through walmart without thoughts of modding everything that is sold there. It's fun really! Just keep trying, you'll get it. Promise!