Power failure and I need to remove tape

If the flash is on AUTO it will only fire if it needs to, such as in dim lighting.

Try putting the flash to ON mode and see what it does.

More likely this is a power problem.
It needs fully charged batteries to fire off the flash very well. If it "won't even take photo's" as you said that usually means there is not enough battery power to charge up the flash, so the whole camera is stuck until it gets done charging the flash.

This issue could be from using Alkaline batteries, they are not very strong and can't keep up with the power needs of a camera.

So if you haven't yet -- try some fully charged NiMH rechargeable AA batteries and it will probably run fine.

Your camera is telling you that the batteries have insufficient power. First thing to check is that the battery contacts on both the batteries and inside the camera are bright, clean and free of grease or oil.

Assuming that you're using the original NiMH rechargeable batteries which came with the camera, then you almost certainly need to replace them with new ones as they cannot be reused indefinitely.

To test whether the problem is with your rechargeables or with your camera is very easy. Just buy a set good quality, non rechargeable, alkaline (e.g. Duracell) AA batteries. If the problem disappears then you know that you need to buy new rechargeable NiMH batteries next time.

There is also a small possibility that you have a faulty recharger but it's unlikely. The only way to test it without special tools is to try getting your NiMH batteries charged in a borrowed recharger. If the batteries get fully charged then the error message on your camera will vanish and you'll need to buy a new recharger. Just make sure that the charger is designed for NiMH though or you will damage your batteries and possibly the charger.

This happened with my Canon Powershot A470. I sent it back to he manufacturer and they said I was using the wrong batteries. Even though the camera is supplied with two alkaline batteries, they recommend using AA NimH rechargable batteries.

If it's an original battery, call Canon, if you've only charged it once, I expect the camera is still under warranty. I've had lots of dealings with Canon Photography, the usually give extremely good customer service.

If it's a cheap one you bought of ebay - that's why!

www.yourhandinmine.co.uk

The Transport T2300 has an internal battery that will run the laptop for several minutes after the main battery goes dead. This feature allows you to save your work and shut down safely. If you run the laptop until both batteries are dead, even a brand new battery can't start the unit again. You have to follow this procedure:
1.Unplug power cord

2. Remove any attached periphal components including the cd rom and/or floppy disk module if you have one. Both remove with a push button switch located on the bottom of the unit.

3. Plug in power cord and charge the unit for a minimum of 24 hours straight. 30 hours is better. This whole time will be spent slowly recharging the internal back up battery.

4. Once that is done, unplug power cord again and reinstall any floppy/cd drives. Plug power cord back in now and charge for at least 24 hours again.

If your backup battery is dead, you can't charge the main battery or turn the unit on. The longer you charge, the better. We had one unit here that had to be on the initial battery backup for 72 hours before it finally took hold. Then, one overnight recharge on the regular battery and all was well.
If you need drivers or manuals for the 2300, all are available on cd at [email protected] for around $9.50 including shipping, handling, and owners manual

You're using the wrong batteries. You need to purchase lithium batteries. They are quality batteries for high powered, battery operated electronics. Personally, I have a battery charger and use rechargable duracell batteries. (HR6/ DC1500/ NiMH/ 1,2V) Gives you approximately 16 hrs before having to recharge.

i suggest replacing a fresh battery will most likely solve your prob, overtime rechargeable battery can drain easily, try changing with a new battery and see if it does work well, there might be insufficient current, thats why it tends to drop of voltage easily upon using, 
there is a specified lifetime for rechargeable battery, depends on your usage and charging method, theymaybe fully charged but sometimes wont give you enough power to drive 
cheers

Check you manual .. is there a 'back up' battery (coin cell ??) .. if not then the battery is dead (rechargeable batteries do not last for ever) .. try a brand new battery

I would let them charge til you get an indication that they are done. TV remotes require very little power to operate, while digital cameras need a lot, so that's why the batteries would work in the remotes though not fully charged.

"I am an electronics engineer with over 40 years experience on precision electronic systems, and am more than capable of investigating faults like this, however I need info on how to access the camera internals as I do not want to disturb the cassette alignment." i think you can do the job without disturbing any alignment. open the camera. try locating the power section where the battery wires are going. examining minutly you may locate 3 to 4 fuses on the board. if you find any or few of them open ......you have done the job.