Managed to get my PICkit 3 reprogrammed with new firmware - my USB port didnt have enough supply to power the unit while upgrading firmware - used another port and worked a treat.

However I've tried now programming with out code protect so specified _CP_OFF, same deal - identified device fine, programmed it, device works as programmed however I still cannot erase it etc - i just get this:

Erasing...
Erase device complete

Blank Checking...
The following memory regions failed blank check:
Program Memory
Address: 00000000 Expected Value: 00003fff Received Value: 00000000
Blank check failed

then if I try to reprogram it, I get this:

Programming...
The following memory regions failed to program correctly:
Program Memory
Address: 00000000 Expected Value: 00002860 Received Value: 00000000
Programming failed

If I shut the MPASM down then restart and plug in my micro I'll get:

Target Device ID (00000000) does not match expected Device ID (00001060)