I have a VR lens that I've been using with my D5000 for about a year and a half now, with no troubles. Recently however, after a small bump to the lens, the camera refused to recognize it. I've tried the internet tips and tricks - resetting menus, cleaning contact surfaces... nothing works. Ideas? Or do I just need a new lens because something got jolted?

Have you tried a SOFT RESET? My camera stopped focusing & I too tried a bunch of different things including a HARD RESET which was to remove & replace the battery, Open the door to the memory card & use a pin to press the reset button. Nothing worked!

Then I removed/replaced the lens after cleaning the contacts & did a soft reset
Press & hold the [i] at the bottom left on the rear of the camera & at the same time press and hold the INFO button at the top near the trigger. Within 2 seconds not only was the camera reset but the focus was now working, Have you tried a SOFT RESET? My camera stopped focusing & I too tried a bunch of different things including a HARD RESET which was to remove & replace the battery, Open the door to the memory card & use a pin to press the reset button. Nothing worked! Then I removed/replaced the lens after cleaning the contacts & did a soft reset Press & hold the [i] at the bottom left on the rear of the camera & at the same time press and hold the INFO button at the top near the trigger. Within 2 seconds not only was the camera reset but the focus was now working,