Updated: NESp - Stops working when controller wired in

[RIDMaster]

Handmade NESp from Ben's book -

When I wire up the player 1 controller port to left PCB, the system stops working. I had inadvertently installed the controller IC backwards, but corrected it. Could I have fried the IC?

I notice that if I leave a certain pin disconnected on the controller, the system turns on but the screen is very dim.

Any advice?

Thanks.

Update: I chopped off the female end off of the original port and soldered the controller directly to the wires, then plugged in the original plug. I'm not having the same problem as before, but not everytime I push the a or b button, it acts like the start button and no other buttons work.

[RIDMaster]

In case anyone is wondering what the problem was - I did fry the IC by soldering it in upside down. I got another controller and it worked great.