Blurred images on Canon IXUS 970 IS (Powershot SD 890 IS)?

I have a Canon IXUS 970 IS (Powershot SD 890 IS) which is just over a year old and has now developed a major fault. The lens will no longer focus on anything, giving only a blurred image. Local camera shops say this is a common fault with compact canons but repair is prohibitively expensive. Does anybody know what has caused this and is there a way I can repair it myself? Thanks.

Joe
October 2010