Though this was posted a while back, I thought I'd respond none the less.

I can't say for sure this is the issue for -this- toy, since I haven't purchased it yet. However in the past I have certainly had this problem with many of my toys. I find that the best thing for this problem, is just time, but sometimes even that won't help, and you might have to choose between taking out the plastic tubing for good, or just sticking to prying out the batteries, which could, indeed, ruin the toy. It's a pain in the butt, I know. Sometimes shaking it upside down can help, but I don't really suggest that.