My rca m4204 mp3 said intializing and then shut off and wont turn back on.

Hello,
I think you can repair your player via this link:

http://voxrightnow.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/9202/~/firmware-update-for-rca-m4204,-mc4204,-m4204p-mp3-player

Good luck,
bye, gylacz

Try a new battery... sometimes battery do that kinda' stuff with full battery power. Happened to my Moto Razr o,o

Sounds like there is likely a firmware issue. Try downloading the firmware update from here:
http://voxrightnow.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2558

Follow the instructions describing how to perform the firmware install.

Note: Be sure to back up any important media you have on your player before starting the reinstall of the firmware.

re-flash the image and all should be fine - search the web there are companies who could do that for you at a very reasonable price

ahha just unlock ur mp3 isnt there a lock button?> just unlock then turn back on.

You will need to update the firmware - this particular firmware doesn't exactly resolve an issue that you are experiencing, but it will have the side effect of fixing your player. Before I give you the website, I have to issue my new disclaimer - RCA changes their website frequently, so this link will work today, but it may be a broken link tomorrow - such is the pace of change:
http://voxrightnow.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/voxrightnow.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=2559&p_created=1215792731&p_sid=WFKvouqj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PWRmbHQmcF9ncmlkc29ydD0mcF9yb3dfY250PTgzOCw4MzgmcF9wcm9kcz0xNTgmcF9jYXRzPTAmcF9wdj0xLjE1OCZwX2N2PSZwX3NlYXJjaF90eXBlPWFuc3dlcnMuc2VhcmNoX25sJnBfc2NmX2JyYW5kPSZwX3BhZ2U9MQ**&p_li=&p_topview=1

-Tha Mp3 Doctor

Sounds like you need to reformat yyour drive or update your firmware. Here is the link try it first without formatting there is a check to format and not format. If you run into a problem. do this
Unplug the mp3 from the USB press and hold the menu button for 10 seconds, release then press and hold the play button, while holding the play button plug it back in. Wait until it says intializing, then release the play button and press start. Here is the link.
http://voxrightnow.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/voxrightnow.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=2246&p_created=1214240275&p_sid=npB9ov8j&p_accessibility=0&p_lva=2253&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PWRmbHQmcF9ncmlkc29ydD0mcF9yb3dfY250PTEmcF9wcm9kcz0xNTgmcF9jYXRzPTAmcF9wdj0xLjE1OCZwX2N2PSZwX3NlYXJjaF90eXBlPWFuc3dlcnMuYV9pZCZwX3NjZl9icmFuZD0mcF9wYWdlPTEmcF9zZWFyY2hfdGV4dD0yMjQ2&p_li=&p_topview=1

Make sure it is not power saver mode it will shut down my how many mins you have it set for. Also make sure screen saver mode is at max too.

On the back of the the mp3 player is a reset switch.
Hold that down about 15 seconds.
If that does not work go to the RCA website.
Download the latest firmware.
Plug mp3 player into pc.
Install the new firmware.
Keep it plug to computer for about 1 hour to charge the battery alittle.

Run the installation CD first, before connecting.
Are you running vista? You may need a clean version of the installation software from RCA's website.