Did you perform the correct sync of the remotes with the console? You make no mention of it. It's described in the owners manual.
On the Wii (while powered on) flip open the little rectangular door on the front. Press the red button. Immediately after that, open the wii-mote battery compartment and do not remove the battery. Press the red button you see there. Then press A on the Wii-mote. The first little blue light should come up on the wii-mote.
Lather, rinse, repeat.
Good Luck.