Hey guys, I was trying to download my code onto the Cortex MC when EasyC (V4) told me that I had to update the firmware on both the cortex and the Joystick. So, I did this using the instructions found in the EasyC Help Topics. After this, I recalibrated the Joystick. This now leads me to my problem. After calibration, I now have 3 solid red lights on the joystick (joystick, vexnet, and game LEDs.) Now whenever I turn on the controller, the red LEDs are always there. Also, neither the cortex or my laptop is detecting the joystick. I have tried connecting to the cortex with a usb to usb cable and vexnet keys but the cortex still won’t recognize the joystick. I have tried to reset/downgrade the joystick firmware as well (using USB A-A cable) but the IFI Vexnet Firmware Upgrade utility won’t recognize the joystick in the first place! I have tried a lot of things but nothing seems to work 
I appreciate any help.
Are your batteries charged?
Have you tried powering up when using a paper clip to hold down the config switch? There’s info somewhere on the forums explaining how to do this. Did you load the correct master code? I don’t use EasyC but the master code for cortex and joystick are different.
Yes, the Joystick batteries are completely brand new and for the cortex, we are using charged 7.2v 3000mAh batteries.
Ok I tried the Config Button power up and I am downloading Firmware now. I will post back in a bit with results.
Ok I was able to download firmware on to the controller again and seems to be functional again. Thank you jpearman for your help! 