I am not sure exactly what you mean by "the computer can't read the cards unless you turn the phone off"...Please be more specific?

I am wondering if you mean the customer can't use the phone after you add the card unless the handset is powered off and back on? If this is the case then your are correct, you have to powercycle a phone on/off after adding a reboost card if the account is at zero. The account will have restrictions on the WalkieTalkie and the Wireless Web whenever a customer's balance reaches zero ($0).....the powercycle drops the restrictions once money has been added on. Unfortunately the system can have "issues" and a customer may have to call in to request those restrictions manually removed, sorry agent error!

So...if you call the reboost in, always ask the agent to "remove restrictions, please", just to cover you base's...
If you use the automatic method of 233 or 611 or MyAccount, always powercycle the handset so that when it re-attaches to the network when it turns on it recognizes the addition of money....Thanks NYMaNIAK, let me know if I cam help with anything! I sometimes don't get to the Scoop on my days off...imagine that !...but you can always contact me thru my profile and I do check my mail often....Jess