Power off and on again, makes clicking noises when trying to turn on/off camera. Anyone have an idea how to fix this?

I was trying to clean my lens myself, and eventually I gave up and looked online how to get exactly to the lens. Well in my 1st attempt I guess I touched something I wasn't supposed to and now when I try to access the camera, makes 3 clicking noises and tells me to turn the power off and on again. When I turn it off it makes 3 quieter clicking noises.

Everything else works fine except the taking pictures. Also when I turn off the camera the lens stays out.

I at least got the lens cleaned. :(

Yeah, I've just decided to trash my camera or sell w/e for parts.
I spent 400 on it, but I'm going to buy DSLR so I really dont care about it anymore.
Thanks for the tips though.

One thing to try first ... essentially, it may have gone out of alignment off the rails slightly. In a nutshell, the error happens when the lens gets stuck in the extended position, and refuses to move either to focus the lens or to retract when powered off.

Since your camera is out of warranty, the one thing you can try is to If you gently, and I do mean GENTLY, push against the lens with the PALM of your hand as you turn it on, it may cause it to depress back into the camera. If that works, you may then be able to reset it.

I've actually pin pointed the problem down. I really dont know how to describe the part, but its those thin bronze strips that connects the lens to the camera and the part it plugs into theres a little black piece that holds it down. I played with that for a few hours and eventually broke it off, but I actually had the camera working in perfect condition until I turned it off and it starting doing that whole crazy thing again.

I guess I gotta find a new clamp piece thing...if I can.
Thanks for your help though.

eBay, my friend. Parts cameras galore.