My digital camera lens will not retract and now the camera doesn't work at all. Any idea what can cause this?

It has fresh batteries

Replace the batteries.

Unless, of course, you have dropped the camera in water.

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Edit:

The likely problem is dropping the camera, or it may have banged against something hard while being carried or used.

The internal problem could be something as simple as a connector that came undone. If the lens itself does not operate, and that was followed by the camera shutting down, there may be a short-circuit internally, or something may have damaged one of the microprocessors. Also, don't rule out the possibility that contamination somehow got inside. You can take it in to the store for service, and if it is still under warranty, get out the paperwork to take with you.

Good luck!

I assume that you replaced the battery.

You probably need to replace the battery. Check your owners manual for its location and instructions for replacing it.

it wouldn't be a kodak dc240 would it?

Extreme conditions, heat, cold, dropped, forced to close? Anyone play with it while you were unaware possibly?

Some cameras are prone to lens problems. It might be a manufacturing problem. Bring it to the local camera store.