Chances are the probe is bad. They need to be stored in specific ways, usually with a cap and sponge to keep it damp or in a storage solution. Even then, they don't age well and need to be replaced every year or 2, or when it won't calibrate anymore. The probe is the $$$ part, so count on having to replace it to get it working.
You could ask to move this to the brew science forum, that's where those who know live.