Just FYI. From the specs:
18-55 VR
Minimum Focus Distance: 0.9 ft. (0.28m)
55-200 VR
Minimum Focus Distance: 3.6 ft. (1.1m)
The minimum focus distance is exactly what it says: it's the closest you can get to your subject and still maintain focus. Once you get closer than that, you will never achieve focus. That's what macro lenses are for. I know it's confusing, especially since your P&S camera was capable of doing close-up work, but you have to remember the part that sensor size and actual lens focal lenths play in terms of DoF and the ability to focus. Your sensor is six times bigger, and your focal lengths are, too. This is physics at work, here.
I'd recommend using a P&S camera for close-up work, or possibly trying to rig up
a ghetto macro setup using extension tubes, a reversed lens, or a magnifying filter until you can save up enough to get a Nikon Micro lens.