Olympus model 300 digital camera

The camera works fine except when the cover is pulled back to open (extend)

the lens, it closes back in a few seconds unless you hold the cover to the

extreme right with your finger. Obviously there is some contact that does not

close securely when the cover is pulled back to open the lens. Thinking there

must be a dirty contact under the cover I removed the two small screws that

hold the cover on and took it off. I could not see where the problem might be

and I put the cover back on. Now the camera lens will not open.

Does anyone have a clue as to what the problem might be? There are 3 terminals

under the cover - one spring loaded contact and 2 ball contacts. Help!

Don