Won't take pictures after batteries died (by 3 users)

I was taking snaps and missed the low battery signals, so sudden got the red battery icon and auto-closeout. Replaced the batteries with brand new fresh ones. Now when I power up the lens cap retracts, the lens extends and the screen shows whatever I'm aiming at, but if I depress the shutter button, the thing freezes up with the lens extended and the screen view closes down. Also cannot delete images from the card.
Took card and new batteries out, waited overnight, reassembled, no improvement.