My camera rejects all full batteries as indicated empty after 1 min.being turned on so that only one picture can be taken. Although someone suggested a virus on the memory card, after changing this it did not solve the problem. Is there a cure? My sister who has the same camera seems also encountering similar problems!

Sounds like something is "shorting out" the batteries. Open the battery door and closely inspect the metal plates in the lid. Does everything look ok? Shine a flashlight at the bottom of the compartment...how do those look? After the batteries die in the camera, try them in another device to see if they are really drained. If you can't find anything, then the problem may be internal (like a faulty capacitor, transistor, etc.) in which case, you will need to have the camera serviced. If that happens, make sure you get an estimate first....you may just decide to replace the camera if the cost is too high. Incidentally, your camera can't get a virus.

You didn't mention the type of cell (commonly called battery) you're using with this camera. There are complaints of short cell life from owners - particularly with the rechargeable types.

Since rechargeable batteries start out fully charged at a lower than voltage than the traditional non-rechargeable types, they will deplete sooner. After just a single picture or two is not expected though. The popular "fresh-out-of-the-charger" NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) AA sized cell starts at 1.2 volts - go ahead, check the label. I'll wait. An alkaline cell on the other hand is 1.5 volts when new. The NiMH starts at best with just 80% of capacity of the alkaline version.

Rechargeable cells have a very finite life. It all depends on factors such as usage, how deeply they are discharged before recharging, temperature they're used & stored in, etc. Many rechargeable batteries "self-discharge" while waiting in the camera bag to be used. Sometimes only a week or two is all that is needed for "fully charged" cells to self-discharge to a point that it isn't usable. That's NOT a good time to learn your batteries are dead.

Try using traditional alkaline 1.5 Volt AA cells from a major manufacturer. Skip the store brands - along with any manufacturer's battery that is labeled "Heavy Duty". The Heavy Duty zinc-carbon cells are worthless. Alkaline is the way to go given a choice between those two.

Give your NiMH cells a rest - especially if they've been cycled through the charger a lot. Try using some fresh, new alkaline cells instead. If they work well, consider buying them as needed or - maybe even a new set of NiMH AA cells. It is possible that the old NiMH set have reached the end of their ability to hold a charge.

I hope this helps and good luck!