Looking for Answers about Nikon Inc. AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II?

it means that you have removed the lens from your camera

This usually means that the aperture is not set on the Orange number on the aperture ring. DSLR's prefer the aperture to be controlled through the ca,era, not on the lens. Set the aperture on the orange number and go into Aperture Priority or Manual modes to control the aperture. This is why the newer AF-S lenses with the G next to the aperture no longer have an aperture ring because it's controlled through the camera.

Have you updated your firmware?

Take it to Nikon Service.

The A is for Aperture Priority, this mode allows you to manually select the aperture using the command dial (Search command dial on Nikon's website for details). The shutter speed will automatically be selected for you in this mode. The M mode is Manual Mode. In this mode, you manually select both the Aperture and the Shutter speed. If your just getting started with photography, I recommend using the P for Program mode. In this mode, the aperture and shutter speed is automatically selected for you but gives you the ability to tweek exposures, metering and so forth. Start there and gain a solid understanding of how the camera selects the aperture and shutter speed. Purchase a D3100 Guide book from a local or online bookstore and learn the camera from there.

The zoom is never locked so if your zoom capability is locked, you should send it to Nikon for inspection. The plastic tube holding the front glass element can be manually focused when you put the lens on Manual focus noted by a "M" near the switch. Once you place it on Manual, the focal ring will unlock for manual focusing.

Congrats ! You got Sand in ur lens

VR is vibration control. It stabilized an image & helps eliminate user shake which might blur the picture. If you have your lens fully extended, definitely turn the VR on. If you're getting a lot of blurred pictures at a long range, it could be from user shake which this will help eliminate.

If it's a VR lens, it will have VR listed in its name. From what you've written, no it is not a VR lens. There IS a VR version however.

yes. all the dx range will work in auto with camera's without inbuilt motor drives as well as the ones that have.

the d90 yes. the 6006 dont know