Why do record companies try to make things (boy bands, teen pop singers, etc.) work when they don't work?

Because all there in it for is the money. They do not give to craps about the quality of the music they just care about the consumer buying the products the singer has. It's sad how they can't even put a single thought into this pop crap. It's all about brainwashing the public with catchy lyrics and beats because it's all to get them hooked and buy, buy, buy!