When I turn it on the lens goes in and out three times and then says turn the power off and on again and it does the same thing

There are a number of things you can try to fix this problem. Here is a blog that explains what to try:
http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html
The web page deals with lens error messages as well as stuck lens, and they say about 50% of the time you can get the camera working again.
Good luck, thanks for using FixYa, and please rate this answer if it helped you!

Hi,
This is lens mechanism problem and lens assembly will be replaced to fix the issue.
Lens tries to correct its mechanical error three times then gives up and you see turn power off and on again display in lcd. If camera is under warranty, please call Sony to get it fixed or take camera to local camera repair shop if its out of warranty.
Thanks.

Sounds like you have a lens error. Try sending it to PhotoTech Repair Service in NYC. They are an authorized repair facility, and usually complete repairs within a week.
website is www.phototech.com

i had the same problem a while back. I fooled around with my camera lens a bit and it turned out that one side of the lens was sticking out a bit. I pressed down on this and pushed the power button and it worked. The next time I turned it on the same thing happened but if you keep doing the same thing it should work.

Hope this helps!

If the lens is retracted, hold up the camera to your eye and look at the lens. If you see one end sticking out a little bit, push that side in and press the power button. It should work.
If the lens isn't retracted, push the lens around until it is in its regular position. When you press the power button, it will retract and come out again and should work fine.

Hope this advice helps!

DON'T DO THAT!

This is not a joke........

Use a can of compressed air and blow around the lens while it is extended. Take a relatively firm approach with this problem slap the camera into your palm two or three times.
Not lens down in this case, but using the side or rear of the camera to make contact with your palm
Make sure you have the camera cord around your wrist so as not to lose it across the room.

Do this several times and turn it on and off till the message of tuen ona nd off no longer shows(if it ever did) and the lens retracts and works correctly. The compressed air will help remove any accumulated dust that is jamming the lens.
This is a sony tech fix and not a joke, they charge you $90 to do this and this fault is not uncommon in many of these small cameras
dust and dirt get taken into the lens bay ad eventually cause it to stick. Hence the use of comptressed air with the brutal ap

Try Power Resetting the Camera.
To Power Reset the Camera, First, please turn OFF the Camera.
Then, remove the battery pack from the Camera.
Then, press and hold the POWER button on the Camera for 30 seconds.
Then, reinsert the battery pack and check whether the issue is resolved.
If the issue still persists service of the Camera is recommended.

these are always lens error messages-the lens is stuck or off track and camera will need to be serviced

If you cannot find a solution to your problem you may want to email [email protected]. He has good advice and good used parts at a fair price.

A temporary fix to power up is to press the menu and power button at the same time. When the lens is extended and it beeps, on my camera , the lens is *stuck* Give it a gentle tug , then try the power button again