The Optimus V is my first attempt at an android. Before I send my phone back I'd like to see if anyone has suggestions. I bought it from Amazon and VM said just to return it.

It's charged and when I turn it on there are 2 images on the screen: an unlock image and a volume one. None of the buttons work nor will the screen change.
I attempted to copy the serial number under the battery. The writing is so tiny that even with a magnifying glass I'm not sure I got all the numbers correct.

My questions are whether the screen I'm describing is typical prior to activation and whether there's some other way to get the serial number.

Also if I'm going to have to buy it through VM to get help, is there another phone that would be better? The Wildfire or Optimus Slider? The selling price at Amazon is significantly less than other places.

Thanks for any help

 

Thank you. Do you know a way to find the 18 digit code that's under the battery that doesn't require a microscope?

 

Thanks everyone. I found the code on the box and it seems to be working ok.