new lense 24-85 f2.8-4

I have a d40 and just bought a new 24 85mm f2.8-4 lense. It is supposed to be able to autofocus but so far it doesnt . Im new to this camera. But I love taking pics. Any help is appreciated!
thanks
Barbara

I assume that your camera is on C or S and not manual? Also make sure your lens is set to Auto..there may or may not be a switch on the camera its self.

Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 G AF-S ? A 'D' model or?

Nikon produced a couple different variants of this lens and some are not auto focus. If it doesn't say AF-S, it won't auto focus.

Thanks! I have my camera on Manual.

it says AF no s

That AF [not the AF-S] lens was made between 2000 and 2003, then discontinued. If you look at the mounting ring, the AF lens has five contacts to interface with the camera body. The AF-S has 7 to 10 depending on the lens model. That is why it will not auto-focus. It can be used in P, S, A, and M modes; but without auto focus.

Hopefully, this helps. You could always sell or trade it in for an AF-S system lens.

AF-S — Autofocus-Silent. Uses a "Silent Wave Motor" (ultrasonic motor) to focus quietly and quickly. Similar to Canon's "USM" technology. Introduced in 1996. Also check out Nikon F-mount - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia . Scroll down a bit to see the relevant article about Nikon mounting system.

thanks for the info

The main difference that nobody here as mentioned yet, is that the D40 (and D60) do not have AF motors in their compact, very efficient bodies. So these smaller cameras, in order to AF, have to use Nikon's AF-S (or AF-I) lenses, which instead have the required AF motor stuck inside them! Older AF lenses that are not designated as AF-S (or AF-I) can actually still be used on these motor-less camera bodies, they would just need to be manually focused, thas all...\Greywoulf