Problem with my Olympus FE-230

Try these procedures.

it is the problem of the lens,fuctioning/sensors of the lens,get it serviced.

This sounds remarkedly like a camera that has been dropped. Even by someone else! The odd noise it the can[mera trying to set the lens up and failing. The black screen is because the lens has not travelled the distance etc. multiple problems !
it needs a complete overhaul and may well be cheaper to ditch it and get a new camera

I had the same problem. I hit it a long time ago when it did it for the first time. It has been a year since then and it is doing it again. I tried the book solution again and it will not work. I tried holding the lens, no luck, and I tried applying pressure when the lens went back in, again, no luck. Honestly, I don't think I will buy another Olympus fe series camera again. The solutions provided do help the first few times your camera does it, but you might want to start checking the market for a new camera.

It's possible this is a repair issue with the LCD screen of the camera especially if you are able to review previous images but cannot take any new images. You may want to call Customer Service to discuss repair options. Their telephone number is 800-622-6372 option 2 and then option 3.

It is repairable. First, check to see if it is still under warranty, (I'm pretty sure Olympus's warranty is one year) or if you purchased an additional coverage, even better. If this is the case, call it in. If not, it will not be worth the $ to repair. Unfortunately it cost as much or close to the price of a new camera to repair them and typically is not worth it. If you want to check around though, you can call some camera stores (Wolf Camera is a good choice if you have one locally). Hope this helps!

Turn on camera, makes grinding-type noise, then lens goes in and out several times...try to put your camera in a table lcd side down and turn it on...while lightly tapping on the sides of the lens. also try to check out this link
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_servicerepair_warrantyinfo.asp

lens appears to be off track and needs repair

Hi Gary
Is the camera under warranty and registered with Olympus? If not registered, make sure you do that online first. It also extends your warranty to 13 months. If no receipt, It was a gift.
You most likely have a bad lens assembly (was it dropped?) or microprocessor. Here's your link...
Olympususamerica.com

Consumer division, customer service 1-800-622-6372 M-F 8 to 7 EST
Outstanding people to deal with
Hope I could be of some help. Regards, Paul

If you mean that it is a new camera - then returnit to the seller for replacement as it seems to be an internal fault.