Sounds like the camera is trying to focus before shooting. Make sure you have focus lock by pressing half way down on the shutter release butting before finally taking the picture. The other problem might be it's auto-redeye reduction. Change to any setting other than "auto" and you should not encounter this problem.
One of the two full thread screws holds a small retention clip not shown in this diagram to keep the camera in place (3G model). Remove this clip when removing the screws.
