I tried using a friend's Actron OBD-II scanner on my 02 Camaro. The scanner received no power when I plugged it into my car. (It just wouldn't light up or turn on.) I know the scanner works because my friend connected it to his Maxima and it turned on and worked immediately.

What could cause this problem?

 

Check your "CIG/ACCY" fuse - it also powers the DLC.

 

Exactly, check the fuse! And CIG Lighter almost designed in a way to blow it.