Using IR Emitter and detector incorrectly
Here is all the troubleshooting voltages to get this working.

Approximate voltage checks for troubleshooting:
(With 9v coming from the battery) 

Voltage across IR LED: 1.3v 

Voltage across R1: 7.7v 

Voltage across Q1: &lt; 1v (w/light),  > 7v (w/o light) 

Voltage across R2: > 6v (w/light),  &lt; 1v (w/o light) - Note R2 value should be 330 ohms 

Voltage across LED: 1.8v (w/light),     &lt; 1v (w/o light) 

"w/light" means that light (or IR) is reaching the face of Q1. 

"w/o light" means that no light is reaching the face of Q1.  (Note that Q1 may need to be completely shielded from all light sources.)