Does the spare key work (if you have one)?
Does the central locking work when you use the key in the doorlock?
The transmitter in the key might have failed. I dont think any decent garage/locksmith/auto electrician would charge to test that, all you do is point the key at a test receiver and push the button.
Copy and paste-
http://www.rapidonline.com/1/1/16882-ir-rf-key-fob-tester.html
gerrr, May 2011