I just got the Pantech Laser, and I can't figure out where to put the SIM card. Please help!?

The screen of the phone says "Insert SIM Card," and it won't go away. I put the SIM card in a space that it fits in, right above the battery. But the "Insert SIM Card," screen still didn't go away. I tried putting it in upside down and backwards, but nothing has worked. Am I putting it in the wrong spot? Is there something I can do to make the "Insert SIM Card" screen go away so that I can actually use my phone?! Please help me.