keep getting message " Teh Built in auto falsh was obstructed'

Hi

when I try to take pictures the camera goes three times and then a message come up that "the built in auto flash pop up was obstructed, turn off the camera and then turn on" I have done this several times and the flash still does not pop up and I cannot take any pictures and any help would be .PS I have changed the battery PS. was out in the cold also appreciated

Jim

councilor@roadrunner.com