Card Eject Button Not Working

When I try to insert the memory card in, the eject button will not lock in - it pops out to the open position. When the eject button is in this position, the card bay door will not close preventing the camera from operating. After much fiddling around with the card and eject button, I am on occasion able to get the card inserted properly with the button in the down position. Conversely when the card and button are both properly in place, the eject button will not work to eject the card. Again, after much fiddling around I am usually able to get the card and button back in "sync". This happens every time I go to insert or eject a card. I shipped the camera to the Olympus repair facility only to be told they have a flat repair rate for the E-300 (regardless of what the problem is)of $257 and change. I'm having them ship the camera back not repaired. Any suggestions would be welcome.