I put the smartmedia card in backwards in my digital camera- now I get "card error" did I ruin my camera?

I have an Olympus Camedia Digital Camera. When I try to put the card in the correct way after putting it in wrong- still get card error. Tried to put in a new card- still "card error". Did I damage something inside my camera?

Very likely. The electrical contacts in the camera face a certain way so they come in contact nicely with the smartmedia card contacts. When you insert cards incorrectly they often bent or break these metal 'pins' (I don't have a better word for them). Once these pins are bent the memory card circuit stops working properly.
This happens with ALL types of digital cameras taking ALL types of cards. I've honestly only personally seen damaged CF card slots, SD card slots and Smartmedia card slots.
One little tip about the smartmedia (which you can no longer find being sold) is that occasionaly the contacts in the camera will become dirty. To fix this problem just use a q-tip to put a little bit of rubbing alcohol (90% - the stronger the better) on the memory card contacts and then insert the card and take it out about 10 times or so. This tends to work well and can sometimes fix the 'memory card error'.
It's always worth a shot. I recommend not fixing it because the memory cards are not available anymore - old technology (unless you have a lot of smartmedia cards).

It is possible that the card is damaged, maybe the camera. But its probably just the card. I would send the camera and card to Olympus and explain the manufacturing defect to them. If a card can be put in backwards, it should not damage or cause the item to fail. If placing a card backwards into the camera causes it to fail, the card should have a design that would not allow that.
Look at a bullet and a gun. Is it possible to place the bullet in backwards. Not really. Look at a Nail Gun and a Bandoleer of Nails, is it possible to place the nails in backwards, not really. They are designed not to allow that to occur.
If Olympus Cameras does not understand this,it is not your fault, it is theirs, explain the design flaw and have them look at the camera,card and slot to figure out how to fix the error. They might even thank you when they send the replacement camera that they owe you.

no not at all, pluck the card out, reset the camera if you have a button or just put the card back the right way. your done ! ill be fine. nothings wrong with your camera. just pluck the card out and plug it in the right way . try to RESET it once.

Sandy, putting your card in backwards is NOT a manufacturing defect; it's (unintentional) customer abuse. Sending it into Olympus claiming it's Olympus' fault will result in a refusal of service. And just because you're too stupid to follow basic instructions doesn't mean that Olympus is responsible.

Digital Camera Tech gave the best suggestion. Try cleaning the card, and if all else fails,just replace the camera. Odds are that your camera is no more than 3.2 Megapixels with basic quality lens & processor. A comparable camera, today, runs around $100-$150, maximum,and that includes all your accessories. It would probably cost about that much to repair the Camedia.