Graphics, Figures & Tables ⇒ Image Insertion Problem

[anurag1fundoo]

HI,

i am trying to write a manuscript in two column format and am using the template latex file as specified by the journal. ( i have downloaded the whole package from journal website , http://www.springer.com/materials/journal/339 ). Now I am trying to insert a 2 column wide figure by giving following commands
\begin{figure*}[h!]
\includegraphics[scale=0.8]{fig1.jpeg}
\caption{my figure}
\end{figure*}

but its giving me error saying:
Runaway argument?
an accurate determination of crystal structure was performed by usin\ETC.
! Paragraph ended before \Gin@iii was complete.
<to be read again>
\par
l.52

if i remove the figure environment my files compiles perfectly. Could anyone please help me on inserting the figure in 2 column or 1 column width. And also, how to manipulate the position of my figures i.e. if i need it on top , end of page, top of page 2column and bottom of page 2 column etc.

TIA
Anurag