Stuck on "connect to iTunes" with emergency call option only

[phillycat13]

My iPhone 3GS abruptly lost the 3G signal so i restarted it. when the phone restarted the "connect to iTunes" screen showed up with the emergency call slide bar at the bottom. i restarted the phone again and then tried a "hard" reboot, but the same thing occurred. I then received a "Restore Needed" notice, so I tried to connect to iTunes to restore but a notice popped up that read " your iPhone is currently locked. type in your passcode and try again"
Since I cant access the passcode screen how the heck do I enter it in so I can connect to iTunes?

My phone has never been jailbroken or hacked or anything like that, the only thing I've ever had done to the thing is to replace a cracked screen about 8 months ago.....

Any suggestions? not having my phone is killig me!

 

[iphonewarrior]

Put your device into DFU mode and restore in iTunes.

Another option to consider (try) is to turn the phone off, hold down the home button for about 5 seconds then plug the USB cable into the phone. You should see a prompt in iTunes telling you to update or restore < --- this may not work because of the passcode lock. DFU may be your only option.