The locking mechanism is indeed physically broken, so I opted for the tie-wrap solution. Everything seems to be ok and - what more is - the battery depleted probleem seems to have vanished (don't know whether thanks to or in spite of my manipulations)
thanks for your help

Thanks for your reply.
It is not the cable itself that is damaged but the locking mechanism. The cable is seated in the slot but since it cannot be locked i think the cable will easily come out of the slot or lose proper contact.

I was experiencing the 'battery depleted' syndrome on my Optio 30 and so I opened it. I accidentally damaged the little black connector on the end of the tiny flat cable that connects to the back of the camera.
I just replugged the flat cable but I'm not sure whether it will stay in place. Does anyone have suggestions on how to fix this? Can I glue the flat cable into the connector or is this not a good idea?

Many thanks in advance
Chris