AHA!!!!

I finally had time to open up the empeg, and the second i had the lid off the problem was obvious.

THE IDE CABLE HAD WORN TO THE BARE WIRE FROM RUBBING ON THE LID!!

The pin 1, 2, and 3 wires were exposed on the IDE cable. You could see the marks from the plastic on the lid of the empeg... the metal is pretty abrasive, and i guess all the vibrations over the past 2 years just wore down the cables, and they would make contact with the lid every once and a while and not work. My solution was to tape the cable up with electrical tape, as well as the lid above where the cable sits. Works perfectly now. David is sending me a new cable, so i'll just be sure to have the interior of the lid covered with non abrasive tape once i get the new cable on.

You guys might want to check closely for cable wear, and tony, you might want to add this to the FAQ... i see this as being a problem a LOT of people are going to start having over time as the cables wear down.

PHEW!!