Canon DSLR Built in Flash pops up but will not fire

I have a canon digital rebel. The flash will pop up in all modes, but will not fire. After searching the internet, it seems that a lot of people with a nikon d40 have the same problem. Someone said if they manually held their built in flash down about 45 degrees it would fire. My will do the same, but obviously the flash is not hitting the subject when you have to hold it down at that angle.

Does anyone know how to fix this problem or a repair shop in Wilmington, NC or Myrtle Beach, SC. I am leaving for the Netherlands in less than a week and desperately need this issue solved. Thanks.

It would probably be cheaper to buy a flash attachment than to repair the camera, especially if the camera is older.
And the flash attachment is usually much better than the on camera flash (depending on how good of a flash you buy.)

Did you ever resolve this? I'm having the same problem with my XTi. Flash pops up, but will not fire.