Hi and welcome to the forum:
Buying an older camera like the SX30IS (released in 2010) has inherent risks and, given its age, if there is a fault, it will not be repairable.
First of all, I would suggest setting the camera in Auto mode, with a fully charged battery and trying to take a photo in dim light with the flash flipped up.
Then, (not knowing your skill level) I recommend downloading the User Manual from the following link:
PSSX30IS_CUG_EN.pdf (c-wss.com) and reviewing that to see if there is a setting not right: if in doubt follow the instructions for doing a factory reset on P53 - that may resolve the issue.
If the built-in flash remains stubborn, the SX30 has a flash hot shoe, so I would suggest visiting a camera store and trying a flash with the camera to see if it will work. If that does work, you can consider buying a suitable flash for the camera.
If the camera will not work with the built in flash, can you return it for a refund?
cheers, TREVOR
The mark of good photographer is less what they hold in their hand, it's more what they hold in their head;
"All the variety, all the charm, all the beauty of life is made up of light and shadow", Leo Tolstoy;
"Skill in photography is acquired by practice and not by purchase" Percy W. Harris
