New P S 3 Controllers

[anaxcrosswords]

Both controllers died last night, batteries no longer taking charge, so bought a couple of new ones.
I know these ARE working because the 4 red LEDs flash after pressing the PS button, but the PS3 won't respond to them (as they're not registered yet?). Problem is I can't use either of the old controllers - even with USB leads attached they don't do anything at all.
I've got the PS3 switched on, waiting for me to 'X' my username, and 4 controllers which don't appear to be usable. Any ideas?

[Buenchico]

I know absolutely nothing about PS3 controllers but I'll offer you a couple of Youtube videos just in case one of them might help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1ANXb2KOWY

[Buenchico]

and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe7P-dGZBeU

[anaxcrosswords]

Thanks Chris. Turns out my main problem – although the old controllers had in fact died – was the USB multiport I'm using. It's compatible with the PS3 but doesn't work as a powered USB. Plugging the controller directly into the PS3 worked.