When zooming in for a close shot it will not focus

You don't say how close, but all cameras/lenses have a minimum focus distance which varies from model to model.

Your camera will have a macro mode for close ups. On the mode selector dial on most Canon digital cameras (and on many other brands) there will usually be a macro setting with a flower symbol next to it. If it's not on the dial then there's usually a button around the rear thumbpad with the marking. Selecting macro mode will allow your camera to focus closer than normal but stops it from being able to focus on distant objects. To remind you, the camera display will show a small flower symbol when macro mode is active.

Even macro mode has it's limitations though and on some cameras it allows focus to within a few centimetres of the lens and on others only to within about 30cm or so.

When using the tele, the closest you can be to a object is probably more that one meter. If you need to get closer you should switch to macro mode.