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Why won't my remanufactured HP cartridge work?

I purchased an unopened "remanufactured" HP 97 replacement cartridge at an reputable, national office supply chain. The cartridge has the "HP" logo and serial number on it and a date that I assume is an expiration date for earlier this year. I tried this cartridge in my Deskjet 6980 and the printer says "There is a problem with the color print cartridge. To solve the problem: 1. Remove the print cartridge. 2. Reinsert the print cartridge. If the problem persists, replace the cartridge..." I tried the remove/replace, but this cartridge will not work, just new (expensive) ones. What now? Is this a common problem, and what is my solution, short of buying "only HP" cartridges? (I cannot take this back to the store--it is opened.) Thanks! To be more clear: Of course I did remove the cover that is like a little piece of tape that keeps the thing from leaking in the box, and yes, I did actually try cleaning up the area where the ink comes out to make sure the ink wasn't dried on.

Public Comments

1. this can happen because cartage might get dired up!! u must try to clean the inkside of the cartage,, it might help.. just try it. it will work. i hop.....
2. This may sound silly, but you have to cover the basics first. Did you remove the plastic that covers the golden/brown part under the cartridge? If so, then take a kleenex and wipe it on the golden/brown part of the cartridge until you see all the colors appear, then try putting it back in and see if it works.
3. You can take it back if you bought it at Staples and a few other reputable stores. Remans cartridges are like flash bulbs; you won't know if it works till you use it. All reputable stores have a decent return policy which is why you are supposed to go to them. If you bought it at the flea market then it will only work if you are a flea.
4. Yes, I tried to refill my own cartridges, which I did quite sucessfully. The problem is that the cartridge has to be reset electronically. As the ink ran out the printer put a code on the printed circuit piece saying its empty! unless this is reset the printer thinks it's still empty. You can purchase reset keys from ink suppliers. BUT, in your case take/send it back stating that the cartridge has not been reset, they should replace it.