I want to use my webcam, but I dont want to have to use skype or video chat. Shouldn't I be able to take video and stuff just to save to comp. or something??

if the comp is on energy saver mode ,it will stop al the unnecessary things like an camera ,I have the same problem ,change on power mode ,and turn the camera on from the comp,

Launch the Logitech QuickCam or Webcam software on your computer. Verify that you see yourself Logitech Webcam software window. Close the software window. Sign in to Skype. Click the "Tools" menu and select "Options." Click "Video Settings," check the "Enable Skype Video" and "Start my video automatically when I am in a call" boxes. Select your Logitech QuickCam from the drop-down list. Your webcam should display video in the window. Click "Audio Settings" if your QuickCam has a built-in microphone and select it from the microphone drop-down list. Check the "Let Skype adjust my audio settings" box in "Audio Settings" so Skype recognizes your microphone. Click "Save" to save the options for your audio and video settings. Skype will close the options menu.

Also check the Audio Settings for the MicrophoneTHEN click on Save.

Simply download a program that supports video chat. A popular program is skype. Once you install the software, it will find your web cam for you and do all of the hardwork.
Find out more about Skype here:
http://www.skype.com/

Normally you can do video call.
While chatting and enable the video is possible with the latest version of skype 4.1.0.179

Another options also is to use is use a other software for video like msn or yahoo messenger.

First I would recommend you to download the latest version of skype
Follow the link :(www.skype.com/download/)
While configuring be sure to use the following setting:
1.Start skype.
2.In the navigation pane of the Skype Options window, click Video Settings.
3.Adjust quality of picture in 'Settings
4.Check the correct webcam is shown as default
Click Save
Test your webcam by making a Skype test call.
If you need further help you can log onto:
(http://support.skype.com)
ok

Before you can use your webcam in any chat program you have to configure it to that program

Test your webcam here to make sure it broadcasts ok - Hit 'Allow' in the top window and check your cam in the left hand panel.

http://www.testmycam.com/


Start Skype.
On the Tools menu, click 'Options'.
In the navigation pane of the Skype 'Options' window, click 'Audio Settings'
Set your speakers as default.
Select your webcam as the default microphone.
Click 'Save'
In the navigation pane of the Skype Options window, click Video Settings.
Select your webcam as the default.
Click Save
Test your webcam 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)

Before you can use your webcam in any chat program you have to configure it to that program

Test your webcam here to make sure it broadcasts ok - Hit 'Allow' in the top window and check your cam in the left hand panel.

http://www.testmycam.com/

If it fails to broadcast - disconnect webcam - uninstall current webcam software - restart computer visit this website - identify your webcam and click on it. select your OS and download software.

Start Skype.
On the Tools menu, click 'Options'.
In the navigation pane of the Skype 'Options' window, click 'Audio Settings'
Set your speakers as default.
Select your webcam as the default microphone.
Click 'Save'
In the navigation pane of the Skype Options window, click Video Settings.
Select your webcam as the default.
Click Save
Test your webcam 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)

I could help but would have to get on Skype and talk you through it. Its not difficaut but helps to have someone to talk you through the setup. Bud

Sounds like your classic driver problem. Look in Device Manager and find your webcam. Right click on it an update driver/reinstall driver.

go to www.splitcamera.com
Install the program... then run the application..
click on file, video source, veo mobile/advanced web camera
(you should see yourself in the application window)
then open you skype
click on tools, options, video settings
choose splitcam capture, save
worked for me..
I found this answer on the skype forums
Hope it helps you