My camera says take lens cover off but the lens cover is off it won't take pictures

There must be a sensor that tells your camera that the lens is still on. See if it is a physical one ( could be in the software) and if you can gently clean it with a swab, or perhaps simply spray condensed air (such as for cleaning keyboards) at the sensor from a slight distance to dislodge what might be blocking it. If you can't find the sensor you *might* simply try using the air to go around the entire lens assembly to try to clear it. Be careful not to blow dirt, dust *into* the workings of the lens where it moves in and out though. The sensor would be where the lens cap presses most likely. Just a thought as I have several cameras, but not this one.