You didn't rewind your film because you could still see it. When you open the door the counter resets. That is standard with all cameras. It is a mechanical lever. So, if you want to determine whether or not you film is still usable you will need to reload it and listen for an extended winding sound. If it winds for more than 5 seconds then it is pulling all the film out. This means that the whole roll was exposed to light when the door was opened prematurely. So toss it. However, if it is like most cameras, it will only wind for a second when loaded; just enought to engage the sprockets. In that case, simply take 5 wasted shots to get past the light leaked beginning. Now you can continue to shoot as normal. Note: Make sure you have new batteries and don't open the back. If the camera will not turn on after new batteries and reloading, chances are the loading gears were stripped. When you remove film from these cameras you have to be careful not to strip the gears. They will sometimes lock in advance position and not spin backwards. If this is the case, take it to a local camera shop and ask the 'experienced' owner to get your film out.