GM,
Here is a quick logic probe to can build in just a few minutes. Use it to test your circuit, especially the 4011.
Build it on the other half of your perf board, giving yourself plenty of room. Hook it to the battery as shown, and touch the end of the wire to pin 5 of the 4011. If the test LED glows steady, you have no pulse, or it is too fast to be seen. If the LED does not glow, you have a wiring problem. If it blinks, Halleleuia! You can also use it to test other parts of your circuit.
EDIT: A point of clarification: The tester and your circuit are to be powered from the same battery.