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.

[partygirluk]

OK, if I run a program called "Internet Connectsuite" the LED light goes on and I can see the webcam images on my screen. However, still nothing when I try IM. Also, I dont want to have to run this program every time I want to sent an IM buddy my webcam image. I just want simplicity!

[Johan]

Try another buddy, it might be a wrong setting in his video card settings...

If you can view it, he sould be able to too, privided you do not have some firewall blocking the stream (and obviously, he doesnt have flawed settings).

Johan

[stinkypete]

[ QUOTE ]
Try another buddy, it might be a wrong setting in his video card settings...

[/ QUOTE ]

uhh.. no

[newb1]

If you're using MS Messenger *and* using Internet Connection Sharing to share out your internet feed, then that may cause problems.
Despite both being MS products, these two hate each other and were flaky at best for me.

Try yahoo communicator, that may be better for you if the above is true.