I can't fathom a camera draining brand new, fresh batteries instantly like that. Maybe try removing the "dead" batteries from the camera and try them in something else to see if they still work.
Perhaps the camera's contact points for the ends of the batteries are dirty/dusty/corroded or not making proper contact with the batteries. Try cleaning the camera's battery contact points off gently with something like a Q-tip and alcohol and make sure none of them are bent out of what would look to be the normal position.
Just some ideas - trying to think logically about it. I'm certainly no camera expert!
Bill
