Is the light on the key coming on when you press either button?
Put key in drivers door lock.
Lock then unlock the door and push the lock button on the fob 6 times.
If that doesnt work try the instructions on this site-
http://www.programyourkeys.com/Program_Keys_-_Rover.html
If still no joy go to
http://forums.mg-rover.org
and ask there.
This thread shows possible faults/repairs for the remote-
http://forums.mg-rover.org/showthread.php?t=312230
vaux
October 2009