How to shoot a picture (generaly)

I used to have a really inexpensive Kodak camera. It started to fall apart after 10 years. I took fabulous pictures. All I had to do was push the button. Everyone said my pictures were great.

I bought the sd750 and the pictures are horrible. They are all washed out and not sharp, crisp and clear.

There are so many settings I don't know what I am doing. My sister also has a different model powershot and her pictures are coming out horrible also. We spent almost an hour trying to read the book and figure out what settings to change.

From different web-site Q & A we finally figured out how to change to manual and change the color to vivid. That is a slight improvement. But indoors pictures are blurry.

What are we doing wrong. I just want my old camera back. KI left it at my son's.I think if I put duct tape around it to hold it back together I can use it again.

well this aint working for me....is it any thing else i can do?