missing SIM card message. what do I do?

sod9582

HELP: Message on opening screen of this 22 month old LG reads "A SIM card is needed to operate this phone...." 

I removed SIM card, cleaned contacts with isopropyl alcohol soaked swab and repowered. Same message reappears about 3-5 minutes after repowering. (repeated this cycle 4-5 times with same results). Any ideas what's going on? Fixes?

tikibar1

The SIM card may have gone bad.  You can get a replacement free at your local Corporate Verizon store or by calling Customer Service.