Nikon D3100 saying memory card is damaged?

It is a BRAND NEW Kingston SDHC 16gb memory card, and a brand new nikon d3100. I put the memory card in, took about 10 pictures, and PLOOP. It said the memory card was damaged. The card itself looks fine, and I've tried re-starting the camera, and taking the card in and out.

The card did fit snugly, but I really don't think I'm putting it in wrong.

Help, and fast! I really want to take pictures!

Thanks everyone!

Added (1). Hmm… I took it out for a while, put in another memory card, took a picture, put the new card back in, and it worked… What is this.

Added (2). And now it doesn't again. I'm going to try to format the card again

Try a different card. Another option: take camera and card to a camera shop; they can help you figure it out while helping you purchase another card from them.

Did you follow the instructions on page 21 of your user manual?

Why did you buy such a huge card?

Storing that much on one card is just asking for problems

A hand full of 2 gb cards makes more sense.

Here is the workflow when using digital cameras

* format the card using the format feature on the camera
* spend the day shooting, using as many cards as you need
* using a card reader, copy all the days work to your computer
* once the image files are safely on the computer, format the card, preparing it for the next time you go out shooting

Return the card and get a new one. Could have been defective. Check to see if the card is locked- there's a little tab on the side. If it is, it won't record a picture.

Hope that you still have your receipt. Go and return it.