Hello msxer
bad news :
chances are you effectively fried your leds.
Now about your setup :
Leds characteristics or model are
mandatory to get a proper setting.
However, you can try to use a "conservative" setting, by using the minimal standard values.
This setting would use :
Power supply : 2.4v (your 2 batteries, serial mounting)
led forward voltage : 1.5V (common value for red and IR leds)
led forward current : 20 mA (every led accepts at least 20 mA, so if unsure, its the secure value)
To get this , you'll need 3 x 47 ohms resistor and use the following schematic :
You can try this but again, it's only a second best setting, you should try to get the led characteristics at your electronics shop.
Cya.