I have a game that I just can't get to work. I've cleaned the hell out of the connectors, opened up the game and inspected the inside and everything looks to be in good working order. Any suggestions?

BTW, this is no ordainary game, it's DW4. I picked it up from my local Gamecrazy for a whopping three bucks! (suckers) Even if the game is shot, the cartridge itself is in pretty good shape, and thats worth three bucks easy

what have you tried using on the contacts? Alcohol is worthless IMO, you should try something like that Weiman's glass cooktop cleaner. It's possible that there may be a loose solder joint somewhere, although I've only seen that happen on lower-quality unlicensed boards.

I'm using 90% alcohol but I don't think the contacts are dirty. Upon futher inspection, some of the contacts appear to be worn. Doubt there is a way to fix that...or is there? I'm pretty sure the game is shot. I messed with it for an hour and kept getting a gray non-flashing screen. It's rare that I can't get a game to work, and I've seen some dirty-ass games in my travels

But it is DW4, so I'm not giving up without a good fight.

Go buy some Weiman's Glass Cooktop Cleaner. It works wonders.

It it worn, or is it actual corrosion? They're pretty tough but after years of a person blowing into it the moisture may have finally formed a patina, like the green stuff on Lady Liberty. The only way to get rid of that is with a scouring pad. Even a worn connector will still transmit a signal unless a trace is cut. Unscrew the thing, see if something comes off by gentling using a scraping tool like a knife edge. If they're all shiny and coppery but just worn, then use a circuit tester (under $10, from most places you get auto parts, it's a metal probe with a light bulb, battery, and alligator clip) on each trace and see if any won't transmit. If they're worn down from someone previously using a scouring pad a little too overzealously, using a tighter connector like a Game Genie, a new 72-pin connector, etc. might help you get it to work.

could be a pal copy would explain why it doesnt work

I usually take the thing apart and scrub it with some alcohol and a scotch brite pad. After that just clean it like you normally would then give it a shot.. Ive only had one cart that this hasn't worked with....

My own little trick is a #2 pencil eraser.