S7000 "zoom error" message

[pesky]

When I turn on my S7000 the lens refuses to extend and I get a "zoom errror" message and no functions work. I have tried turning it off and on again, and replacing the batteries. No luck. I read on one site that several people fixxed the problem by pulling the lens out while the camera was turned off and then turning it on, but I can't find any bump or crevice on which to get a purchase to pull it out.

Anyone else with this problem or solution(s).