m17 R3, battery issues

A few weeks ago, my laptop started throwing an error that the battery is not connected. The laptop still runs and I am able to use it perfectly while plugged in. But as soon as I disconnect it, it dies. There is no battery indicator on the taskbar and I don't think it is charging it or anything. Also, the alienware head/power button, light bar on the back, and the logo on the back of the screen all are flashing. It will go from nothing, to blink once or twice red, then maybe blue. But for the most part, its off now. I ran diagnostics and it returned error code: 2000-0131 Battery-The battery is not installed. 

I ended up replacing the battery and got the same error code. I also kept getting a popup saying new USB device (AW-ELC 187C:0550) was installed. Are the RGB lights somehow tied into the battery error? This all started while playing a game so I'm not sure if it overheated or something.

Has anyone had both of these issues or know where else I can check? TYIA