It is possible that you got riiped off (very,very doutfull though). $30.00 is alot of money for just buying syringes. Where did you get them?
Anyway, you said that you looked at them under a light (i think we all do that as newbie's he..he), well just because you didn't see anything doesn't mean anything.
The first sign's of life, will usually look like cotton, and sometimes growth that looks like fiber (strands...better known as rizmorphic). Sometimes you might see some condensation inside the jars that looks alittle steamy (if you can picture that..), well this is your first sign of life. It would also be helpfull if you stated what your means are of growing..PF tek, SEAofSHROOMS...ect. As long as you were sterli., then I think you'll be ok.
Good Luck!!------------------
If your not living on the edge....Then your taking up to much space.