Does it function normally otherwise? What you describe could easily be explained; it's possible the camera is in manual with a long shutter speed, for instance.
once near a thermostat and once near a computer. When I moved the camera ~one foot, the shutter worked. Is this due to interference or malfunctioning shield?

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic