Camera tries to start but lens will not open

have you checked the batteries are fully charged ? Are you using nimh batteries? did a reset?

Might be obvious, but since you don't mention it, I should ask.

Hi there~
I don't know if this is any help any more, but it's probably a mechanical problem. I babied mine too and the same thing happened.

If you lay your camera flat and look straight down at it, you'll probably notice the gaps in the zoom thing (sorry, i don't know the techincal term for this) are not the same all the way around. If you *gently* push the lens on the 'fatter width' side and even it out, the camera should be able to open.

The other possibility is that there is grime in those gaps, and tapping your camera gently or using one of those canned air dusters should get it out.

I really hope this is a little more useful to you!