Im trying to video chat on skype using the minicam

Try your webcam here, by hitting 'Allow' in the top window
http://www.testmycam.com/
Your webcam should broadcast in the left hand window.

If that is successful you know you can now configure it to Skype
Start Skype.
On the Tools menu, click 'Options'.
In the navigation pane of the Skype Options window, click 'Audio Settings'.
Select your mic as the default microphone.
In the navigation pane of the Skype Options window, click 'Video Settings'.
Select your webcam as the default.
Trim webcam image using 'Settings'
Click Save.
Test Cam by making a Skype test call.
For more information about how to configure Skype Messenger, please visit the following Skype Web site:
http://support.skype.com (http://support.skype.com)