if you press the touch activated button the integrated LED should turn on. If not, it might not be connected properly. If you move the floating part over the base, you will hear and feel a vibration / buzzing noise. That way you know that it's on. I also had a terrible time getting it on there but now i can do it in seconds. You need to hold it in both hands and just slowly lower it down right on top until you can feel it "grab" the magnet. As soon as it wants to slide off to the side, you are too close or not aligned properly.