First batch on MTurk- not allowing me to Publish it

The issue you're experiencing is common for new Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) users. Even though you've set up your billing information and connected your accounts, there are a few additional steps you need to take before you can publish your first batch.

First, ensure that you've completed the identity verification by phone for your AWS account. This is a crucial step that's sometimes overlooked.

Next, you'll need to request a quota increase specifically for Mechanical Turk. This is done through the AWS Service Quotas form. Here's how to do it:

1. Sign in to the AWS account associated with your MTurk Requester account.
2. Navigate to the Service Quotas console.
3. Search for the Mechanical Turk quota.
4. Enter your desired quota amount. It's recommended to request your total projected monthly spend amount for Mechanical Turk, rather than submitting separate requests for individual projects.
5. Provide justification for the increase if required.

After submitting your request, AWS will review it and send you an email to confirm whether it has been approved. This process can take some time, which might explain why you haven't heard back yet.

If you continue to face issues or don't receive a response in a reasonable timeframe, you can open a case with AWS Support under the "Account and Billing" category to address your inquiries directly.

Remember, it's normal for the first HIT publication request to be denied if you haven't gone through these steps. The error message you received is standard in this situation and doesn't necessarily mean you've done anything incorrectly. It's just part of the process for new users to establish their spending limits on the platform.

Sources
Request Mechanical Turk quota increase | AWS re:Post
Survey billing help | AWS re:Post
MTurk Credit Increase -- need an immediate answer | AWS re:Post