I have this problem too. I replaced the battery with a brand new battery that reads 3.24 volts unloaded. The battery only fits on way so unless you really force it you can't put it in backwards.
After replacing the problem persists. There are two contacts inside the camera that the battery touches when inserted. I suspect the contacts don't have enough spring to make a connection with the battery.
It looks to me that we are out of luck. Planned obsolescence?