Phone turns off when I plug in

I have had the ENV touch for several months now.  I have had no problems until today- the phone has about 1 bar left and when I plug it in to charge it, the phone immediately turns off and the "verizon wireless" logo comes up.  This logo stays for about 10 seconds and then the screen goes black and then it comes back on for 10 seconds, etc. etc.  Sometimes "battery is required" will pop up on the screen but not always.  As soon as I unplug it, the phone turns back on and stays on.  I have tried taking out the battery and putting it back in a couple of times but this doesn't seem to help.  Is anyone else experiencing this?  What should I do?

As mentioned, I have already tried taking the battery in and out several times.  Regarding a software update, is that something I can download from the Verizon website or do I have to take the phone to a store?

Downloaded the software and followed the instructions, however, when I plug the phone into the computer when prompted, I get a message on my phone saying "this cable is not recommended for this phone" and the update program doesn't recognize that there is a phone plugged in so it won't run. So I have been unable to run the software. The cable I am using is the one that came with the phone that also plugs into the power outlet.

On a separate note, I might have inadvertently fixed the problem when I moved all photos and videos to and removed the micro SD card in prep to update.  It no longer is doing the shut off thing when I plug it in.  I tried reinserting the sd card and it is still not shutting off, which is good.  However, whenever I plug in now (to computer or jack) the  "this cable is not recommended for this phone" message flashes.  Could it just be a problem with the cable?