What version do you have? It doesn't sound like the backlight is dead, since it does come on and then goes off, but you might have a bad connector.

You can try restoring it to factory settings and restoring from a previous backup, that might clear a software bug if that's causing it, but it sounds more like a hardware problem to me. Probably best to take it to an Apple a Store and see if they can fix it. (However, if you have anything older than a 4s, it's best to upgrade)

did you drop it or shake it alot before it went out could be a loose connector, ive seen dozens of those. they rarely " die " as their led. you can try the software restore as well, before doing so hold down the power and home button till you get the " connect to i tunes " icon and restore from your last backup.

hope this helps :)

Thanks. :3

I do think it was a loose connector.
About 11 days after I posted this the backlight went back on.
It's been behaving ever since. ^^

Still, Imma keep this in mind for sure.

coolness let me know if that helps