The plastic in the 9x radio is somewhat poor quality, so it may be helpful (or at least reassuring) to confirm your new 9x programmer kit with EL backlight works before actually putting it in the radio. Before even opening up your radio's case, you can confirm that:
1) Confirming the programmer.
If you're using Windows, the drivers must be installed first. This test is simple... connect the programmer to your computer by way of an appropriate USB cable. If you have speakers, your computer should make an audible indication that something has been plugged in. Open your Device Manager and there should be an entry for "LibUSB-Win32 Devices" with a sub-entry for "USBasp". If your computer gave some indication (ie. reacted in any way) when you plugged in the device, but it is not listed as mentioned, then your drivers are probably not properly installed. If there was no indication whatsoever that you plugged something in, then you may have an issue with your USB cable, the small USB cable supplied with the unit, or your computer's USB port. For non-Windows users, the procedure for confirming the unit is recognized by your operating system may be different.
2) Confirming the EL backlight.
Use a test lead (the style with alligator clips are easiest) to temporarily connect the two pogo pins marked +5v and VDD. Plug in the EL panel and connect the USB cable. The light should be on.
And I will always do the very best I can to make sure we... I mean I... take care of you, the customer. I joke around a lot, but I really believe in good old fashioned customer service. So how can I help you today?
