software

hey everyone i could use some help here... I have an ESP EX-50 guitar and a ive had it for about a year without any problems and a few days ago wen i took it out of its case and played with it i realised the output from both neck and bridge pickups became really low for some reason. I dont see any changes in the height of the pickups, ive checked the back of the guitar to see how the cables were connected and there doesnt seem to be any loose wiring or anything, also the tone knob has stopped working properly for some reason. if you turn the tone knob around it doesnt alter the tone at all, just makes a slight crackling noise.. im pretty sure i didnt drop the guitar and it wasnt hit in any way..
i really need help with this.. anyone have any ideas?

Whbat kind of pickups? Does it have a battery that has died?