Hi there, Gene!
If you're not getting an error message, I suspect, as you do, that there may be a piece of grit under the lever. I'd be disinclined to suggest using a blower to get it out lest you push any grit further into the lens shaft. Have you tried holding it upside down and gently shaking it?
If it doesn't work itself out, I'd call Panasonic. Hopefully they can suggest something you can do without having to send it in repair.
Always weigh the cost of repair against buying a new or refurbished camera.
Related reading: refurbished cameras
http://www.digicamhelp.com/buying-guide/checklist/refurbished/
