Since this is a PS3, does it get used all the time? If it hasn't been used for years (or 6- 8 months) the battery inside the controller my be no good. (This if an answer if the controller is wireless... if it's not, please disregard.)

Hey there, the problem is depending on how long he has used it, if he hasn't used it for months or even a year his Battery can fall asleep. This is a Safety feature of the lithium battery unfortunately and no charger will charge it when it's asleep and at 0 volts , looks like this person needs a new battery put in. Good Luck =D