Basically the actual zoom lens is stuck out and wont go back into the camera, i have tried turning it off and on, but however still says "zoom error" and flashes red. i recently dropped in on the carpet and i think thats why the zoom lens is stuck out. please help

Sounds like the drive motor assembly has quit. this needs to be repaired by shop, probably had nothing to do with the cold.

If any amount of moisture has entered the camera this will not be a user fix, it will require service.

Since there is nothing you can do to fix this at home you have 2 choices, replace the camera or send it back to the manufacturer for exchange (very expensive)

Go to this website for solutions:

http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

If the camera was operating properly before the zoom error then the most common problem to a stuck lens is dirt getting stuck between the two lens barrels. There are a few fixes for this none are guaranteed to solve the problem and should not be attempted if the camera is under any type of warranty. They include removing the batteries for a few minutes, reinstalling the batteries with fresh once with full power, turn the camera on while holding the the zoom button. Another method is to see if you can provide extra power to the focus motor by having the LCD screen turned off. There my be a button that allows you to switch from the viewfinder to the LCD screen switch to the viewfinder and try several times to focus (just point the camera at different distant objects) and attempt to focus the camera. I hope this gives you the results you need because the other suggestions may further damage the camera and are only a (last resort) thing. One is with the camera turned on tap the body on a counter or table edge while trying to zoom the lens obviously in the opposite direction to where it's stuck. The last is to gently push the lens in with the palm of you hand while zooming in. All these are just suggestions and carry no guarantee of working and may further damage the camera. The biggest cause of this problem is dust from a camera bag or some other environmental condition like sand from a beach.

OK, assuming the batteries are ok, the problem is within the mechanism for the lens being too 'binding' while it operates.

Sometimes, people put their finger on the barrel of the lens when it retracts or extends.

If you reset the camera and it still does this, the camera needs to be serviced by Canon.
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/online_repair_tracking/consumer/digital_cameras/powershot_sd_series/powershot_sd500?pageKeyCode=requestRepair

Try the procedures in this tip.

Have you tried using a fully charged battery?

also, there could be a dust build up or a sand residue stuck inside the lens that it why its having a hard time coming in or out eventually.

Try to hold your camera, with the lens facing down, from your right hand and while turning it on, hit the camera gently on your left palm. Try this several times.

Hi Rachael_amor, If the lens will not zoom on the camera will it off the camera? If not then it has some grit, dirt, and the like in the lens. You could attempt to vacuum around the zoom however, I suspect it will need to go in to Nikon. That lens is not well weather sealed, it is a inexpensive consumer lens.

**** a very common problem with most cameras. There hasn't been much of a solution for this problem except to try to wiggle the lens zoom while pushing and holding the power button.
Also make sure you have brand new batteries installed. Even the slightest dead battery will cause a problem.