My new hp61xl cartridge doesn't work - I get an "incompatible ink cartridge" display

Yes it could be the problem. Try and get a different print cartridge and if it doesn't work you may just have to get a new printer.

I have had simlar problems with other brand inks on epson printer a guy in a computer shop were I bought the ink from told me to take the ink out wipe the chip with a clean cloth wipe in one direction, also your ink when new has a piece of thin plastic that now has a small hole in it as you have taken it out from printer put a small piece of sellotape over hole other wise printer will think you are putting old cartridge in again you might need to do this a few times, but bear in mind that this was done with an epson printer but it doe's solve the problem when it crops up from time to time.

Either the cartridge is malfunctioning, if you used refilled cartridges this common, or they came unseated. Check to make sure they are seated correctly by removing them and putting them back. If that doesn't work try replacing them with new, not refilled, cartridges and see if that resolves the issue. If it doesn't the problem is a circuit problem that will need to be repaired by a technician.

There are different ink cartridges for each HP printer. Make sure you are using the correct one by looking at an old ink cartridge. If this is not the issue, you should try updating the drivers for your printer, which you can do by downloading them here: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/product?cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&product=3418705 If that doesn't work, you may need to call technical support.
Please leave positive feedback for me, and good luck to you!

“All lights blinking and printer not responding” is indicative of serious ink cartridge issue. Usually when this happens the printer fails to goes through the motions of the printing process, kind of stands still with indicator lights just blinking away. This could be as a result of either of these scenarios.
i. Ink cartridge has developed incompatibility or is incompatible
The Solution is to try an older/another cartridge (doesn’t matter if ink is finished. You must replace cartridge one at a time). If lights stop blinking it confirms that your cartridge has become incompatible or developed incompatibility. Also if your printer is the type that can work with only one cartridge, remove one after the other (closing back the lid/cover) to determine which in the set (black or color) has become incompatible. At the instance the incompatible one is removed and you close the lid, the blinking will stop (for printers that can print with one ink cartridge only). Just replace the incompatible one and start printing again. In most cases the issue is always with one cartridge. But if both are affected, you have to replace both. Because of this type of problem, always keep used cartridges somewhere safe; they come in handy for this type of troubleshooting.
ii. The Cartridge electronic panel is dirty
The electronic panel on the cartridge that makes contact with the cartridge carrier inside the printer is dirty and needs cleaning. This electronic panel is front part of the cartridge with copper “dots”.
The Solution is to try to clean this panel with a piece of folded tissue paper soaked in a bit of methylated spirit. Also try to clean the area in the cartridge carrier/holder that makes contact with the cartridge’s electronic panel (Usually this is more difficult). If you cannot reach it with your fingers, use a stick or something with tissue wrapped around it. Allow to dry well and return the cartridges, close the cover. The blinking should stop if the electronic panel is the issue. Once the blinking stops the printer will print.

This could be as a result of either of these scenarios.
i. Ink cartridge has developed incompatibility or is incompatible
The Solution is to try an older/another cartridge (doesn’t matter if ink is finished. You must replace cartridge one at a time). If lights stop blinking it confirms that your cartridge has become incompatible or developed incompatibility. Also if your printer is the type that can work with only one cartridge, remove one after the other (closing back the lid/cover) to determine which in the set (black or color) has become incompatible. At the instance the incompatible one is removed and you close the lid, the blinking will stop (for printers that can print with one ink cartridge only). Just replace the incompatible one and start printing again. In most cases the issue is always with one cartridge. But if both are affected, you have to replace both. Because of this type of problem, always keep used cartridges somewhere safe; they come in handy for this type of troubleshooting.
ii. The Cartridge electronic panel is dirty
The electronic panel on the cartridge that makes contact with the cartridge carrier inside the printer is dirty and needs cleaning. This electronic panel is front part of the cartridge with copper “dots”.
The Solution is to try to clean this panel with a piece of folded tissue paper soaked in a bit of methylated spirit. Also try to clean the area in the cartridge carrier/holder that makes contact with the cartridge’s electronic panel (Usually this is more difficult). If you cannot reach it with your fingers, use a stick or something with tissue wrapped around it. Allow to dry well and return the cartridges, close the cover. The blinking should stop if the electronic panel is the issue. Once the blinking stops the printer will print.

Then you will to determine why only yellow is printing. Are the other inks finished or are their nuzzles blocked? To do this, follow the procedure below.

Ink may be new, but their nuzzles may be blocked; depending on manner of storage. To be sure apply a folded tissue paper to the ink nuzzle and press firmly. If the tissue comes off well blotted with ink it means you still have a good amount of ink in it the nuzzle is not blocked. If not blotted or scantily blotted, it means ink is really low or nuzzle is blocked. To be very sure of this, place nuzzle in a plate/saucer with a bit water so that the nuzzle is soaked. Leave for about 10 minutes. Then apply the tissue again. If still not well blotted it means ink is really low or cartridge is empty. If new you should return it for a replacement. In the case of blocked nuzzles, the procedure may be repeated over to get results.

All lights blinking is indicative of serious ink issue. This could be as a result of a number of scenarios.
i. Ink has developed incompatibility. Solution is try an older/another cartridge (doesn’t matter if ink is finished). If it stops blinking it confirms that your cartridge has become incompatible. Also if your printer is the type that can work with only one cartridge, remove one after the other to determine which in the set (black or color) has become incompatible. Just replace the incompatible one and start printing again.
ii. The electronic panel on the cartridge that contact with the cartridge carrier inside the printer is dirty and needs cleaning. Solution is try to clean with a piece of folded tissue paper soaked in a bit of methylated spirit. Also clean where the cartridge carrier where t makes contact.

This could be indicative of serious ink issue. This could be as a result of a number of scenarios. But firstly, make sure you have replace he right cartridge.
i. Ink has developed incompatibility. Solution is try an older/another cartridge (doesn’t matter if ink is finished). If it stops blinking it confirms that your cartridge has become incompatible. Also if your printer is the type that can work with only one cartridge, remove one after the other to determine which in the set (black or color) has become incompatible. Just replace the incompatible one and start printing again.
ii. The electronic panel on the cartridge that contact with the cartridge carrier inside the printer is dirty and needs cleaning. Solution is try to clean with a piece of folded tissue paper soaked in a bit of methylated spirit. Also clean where the cartridge carrier where it makes contact.

Usually if you leave the printer off for sometime the ink get dry on the heads or some ink may leake to the sensores so take the cartrage out clean it and clean the heads with cotton swaps...see if the help and let me know

These types of severe cartridge errors (i.e. "refer to documentation" / "incompatible cartridges", "print cartridge(s) problem", etc.) typically indicates the internal micro-electronics of the HP #74 / 75 (or 74XL/75XL) cartridge(s) are damaged. The cartridge's electrical wire runs at rear and lower side of the ink cartridge, are very delicate and are somewhat susceptible to ink attack over time, which can lead to premature failures. In addition, the older the cartridge the higher the chance of an internal electrical failure. I suggest you first run a 'Tap 41' diagnostic test to check cartridges electrical health (this is a forced test); you may also bypass the error (temporarily) on most models which use HP 74/75 cartridges. Refer to Inkjet411 youtube videos below:

HP 74, 75, 74XL, 75XL Cartridges - Solving Errors & Warnings: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5ISTGyScWU

HP Photosmart C4200-C4500 and C5200-C5500a Printers - Diagnostic Tap 41 Test: (verifies electrical health of ink cartridges): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fE-IM4AVMc

HP Photosmart 4200-4500 5200-5500 Printers -Cartridge Error Bypass (HP 74-75 Cartridges):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDxRkAGOJaI

HP Officejet J5700/J6400 Printers -Cartridge Error Bypass (HP 74-75 Cartridges):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X3_D90SSq4

Ink Refilling & Cartridge Care Tips - Everything you need to know: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnXoDIblpdU