I am having the same "MOTOR RUNNING" sound with my Sony DSC-H5. I have had it for about 4 years, and have used it constantly, taking thousands of pictures. Recently, the battery life is really poor and drains the batteries rather quickly - only about 20 mins of shooting time. If you hold the camera up to your ear you can hear a sound that is similar to a motor running. It does not seem to be normal.

I took it to B&H in New York, where I bought it, and the person at the sales desk said that the camera was probably shot!! He suggested I take it to a repair shop, but did not sound too optimistic. I got new rechargeable batteries but they did not not remedy the problem.

Crazy!!!!! I mean a $400 camera shot after only 4 years of use!!!!!! Is that normal? AHHHHH!!!!!

Anyone have any thoughts about trying a home repair?? Or suggestions for a new camera?