Im wondering if formatting thr memory card has caused a camera to not pick it up. is there anything that can help with this error i've made

Depending upon the size of the memory card a 16Gb memory card should only take a few mins.

Might one enquire how you have assessed the intelligence of the connecting lead ? I know of no definitive tests for this area of electronic equipment.

What size is the memory card. If it's larger than 4GB then it won't work in the 5118.
Try using another card. Don't format it in your computer but do format it in the camera before trying to take pictures.

There is a tab on the memory card so you will you need to remove it from the camera and change the position of this tab to "unlock" it. DO NOT format the card until you've BACKED UP your files from it (typically to a PC or USB drive (stick or external hard drive).

There are several possible causes for "memory card locked/protected", "memory card error", or "no memory card". The most common cause is having the tiny slide switch on the side of the card in the wrong position (but you've checked that already). The second most common is trying to use a 4GB or higher SDHC card with an older camera made before SDHC format came out. There are also other common causes if the above didn't help, with troubleshooting steps for this problem listed here.
Please note that the C633 is an older camera, and can only use 2GB or less standard SD cards. 4GB or higher SDHC will not work with your camera. Fortunately 2GB cards are relatively inexpensive these days, and may be easily found on Amazon if your local store no longer carries them.

There are several possible causes for "memory card locked", "memory card error", or "no memory card". The most common cause is having the tiny slide switch on the side of the card in the wrong position. The second most common is trying to use a 4GB or higher SDHC card with an older camera made before SDHC format came out. There are also other common causes if the above didn't help, with troubleshooting steps for this problem listed here.

Some electronic devices, including cameras, come with its maximum manageable memory card. And when you use a memory card that's beyond the allowable size this might cause the device to not function properly or do processes/operations slower than normal. This is due to compatibility issues.
That's based on experience since i've tried to use a memory card thats beyond what my old camera model could handle and it made my camera slower in displaying preview, editing and in saving captured images.
I'm not sure if this is what causes your problem. Try it with a lesser memory card size. Also check your camera's user manual to see the memory card sizes that's compatible with the model.
If this doesn't work, i'm sorry i dont have anything else in mind to solve the problem. :)

There are several possible causes for "memory card locked", "memory card error", or "no memory card". The most common is trying to use a 4GB or higher SDHC card with an older camera made before SDHC format came out. Other causes include problems with the tiny slide switch on the side of the card, or the electrical contact switch internal to the camera. The problem may also arise from simple formatting problems if the card has never been formatted in the camera (note that this will also erase the card). Troubleshooting tips for this problem may be found at this link. And finally, if the cards that you've been using are 4GB SDHC, that's your problem.

There are several possible causes for "memory card locked/protected", "memory card error", or "no memory card". The most common is trying to use a 4GB or higher SDHC card with an older camera made before SDHC format came out. Other causes include problems with the tiny slide switch on the side of the card (which you said you've tried), or the electrical contact switch internal to the camera. The problem may also arise from simple formatting problems if the card has never been formatted in the camera (note that this will also erase the card). Troubleshooting tips for this problem may be found at this link.

This error message means that the card is corrupted or formatted for another digital camera. Turn off the camera. Insert a new card or format the card.
Try to format the memmory card using a card reader and the PC this should solve your problem if not you have to replace the memmory card.