Camera screen says card protected... wont let me take pictures.

Look at your memory card. SD cards have a slide switch along one edge. The position farthest from the metal contacts locks the card, protecting it from writes. The position nearest the contacts unlocks the card.

You neglected to specify the make and model of your camera, so I'm assuming it uses SD/SDHC cards.
SD/SDHC cards have a slide switch along one edge. The position farthest from the metal contacts locks the card, protecting it from writes. The position nearest the contacts unlocks the card.

Look at your memory card. SD and SDHC cards have a slide switch along one edge. The position farthest from the metal contacts locks the card, protecting it from writes. The position nearest the contacts unlocks the card.

Check if the memory (card) is write protected (tab switch on SD card).

Take the memory card out of your camera and look at it. SD cards have a slide switch along one edge. The position farthest from the contacts locks the card, protecting it from writes. The position nearest the contacts unlocks the card. If the switch is already in the proper position, slide it fully the other way and then back again.

Take the memory card out of the camera and look at it. SD cards have a slide switch along one edge. The position farthest from the contacts locks the card, protecting it from writes. The position nearest the contacts unlocks the card. If the switch is already in the proper position, slide it fully the other way and then back again.

SD cards have a slide switch along one edge. The position farthest from the contacts locks the card, protecting it from writes. The position nearest the contacts unlocks the card. If the switch is already in the proper position, slide it fully the other way and then back again.

select the "key" symbol in the menu. select "reset all". If you use sd card there should be a tab on the side of it. slide it to the other position.

"Write Protect" means that something is locked and your device (camera) cannot "write" to it's storage area.
What type of "storage media" are you using?
For example:  the camera's internal memory, a CompactFlash card, a Memory Stick, an "xD-Picture Card" (micro, mini or regular sized), or a Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard.
[Did you put something  (a small plastic card of some sort) into a slot on the camera before or after turning it on?
Those little cards usually have a tiny button (also called a switch or lever) on them that will move back and forth to lock (write protect) or unlock it. This sounds like the memory card inside your camera is locked or "Write Protected.

To fix this simply take it out, closely examine the memory for the button- the button will be closer to the word "lock" or "protect" and all you need to do is gently slide it in the opposite direction from where it currently is. Put it back into the camera and see if it still says "Write Protect."

Let me know...
Rae

Take your memory card out of the camera and switch the position of the little "lock" tab. That should fix it and you can start saving images.