Found the problem, during start up instead of 'checking' if forceupdate was set to yes, it was setting it to yes and always making it on. SickRage doesn't use that option so it wouldn't start. (all because the code was = instead of == just missing that second equals sign)
Update has been put out for SickBeard, SickBeard_Alt, and SickRage plugins to correct this, and I have removed the option entirely from SickRage. Should be no more problems with that now.
Thanks for a quick fix! Much appreciated!