I wouldn't call the remote "junk" as many of us here use and love it. Since you are sure the remote was never used, then the next place to look is the remote "brain" located on the wall of the front compartment (where the batteries are). I believe the wire which illuminates the DS scare light should be labeled on there. I would disconnect it and see if the light goes out. The "brain" looks similar to this but is a picture of an older one. Yours may appear different.
