The lens on my canon powershot A480 will not retract, I have tried to restart the camera but this does not work, I have a 'lens error' restart camera' message but this does not help

Hello
You especially might consider this if the lens barrel appears obviously damaged, bent, or crooked such as from a fall. Try forcing the lens. More people have reported success with this method than with any of the other methods. HOWEVER, there's obviously some potential for damaging your camera by using this method. Variations include gently pulling, rotating, and/or twisting the lens barrel while hitting the power button. Attempt to straighten or align the barrel if it's crooked or twisted. Another variation includes looking for uneven gaps around the lens barrel, and then pushing on the side of the lens barrel that has the largest gap (note pushing the lens barrel all the way in is NOT recommended as it may become stuck there). While doing any of the above, listen for a click that indicates that the lens barrel guide pins may have reseated in their guide slots. If you hear this click, immediately stop and try the camera.
hope it helps, if not take camera to the technician, if so
DO RATE THE SOLUTION
Good Luck