AirTag Deletion Clarity

I had my AirTag’s battery die, so I purchased new lithium batteries. When I put the battery in the white part (no cover), my phone asked to pair. I wasn’t thinking and said no, as it wasn’t closed yet. Following that, I tried repairing it but it never popped up. I went to try and delete it, as I was told I can repair after, yet now my AirTag is still not being found. It popped up once again but it said “low battery”, even though it was a new battery. Please help.