camera woes

my new camera doesn't work. whenever i try to format the memory card (which has to be done with a brand new memory card in order to use it) i get an error message. i've tried all sorts of things to get this error message to go away and it just won't. soooo i have to send the camera back so they can send me a new one. it's probably going to be 2-4 weeks until i get the new camera. i am so frustrated! grrrr!!