Why won't my webcam work?

[partygirluk]

So I got this new webcam today:

NetEasy DRU-350C USB CCD Video Camera

Plugged it into a USB port, put the cd with the drivers in the d: and installed the drivers, and belarc advisor confirms that the webcam is installed. Whenever I try to send my webcam image over IM, however, the recipient gets a blank screen.

FWIW, this camera is a discontinued stock, and was clearly out before windows XP came out. In the manual it says that it uses TWAIN technology, and that to view the image on your screen
"Click Start, programs, accessories, Imaging"

However, I can click the first three, but then don't get "imaging". I have gone to "add/remove programs" and then "windows components", but had no luck via that route. I did briefly get an image up on my screen when fiddling around earlier, so the camera itself is likely not faulty.

Computers frustrate me, help please!

Edit: The led indicator light at the top of the webcam is almost never on. Also, every time I unplug and replug the webcam into the USB port windows goes through the whole "new hardware found" spiel.