HP Pavillion Webcam Trouble

so, not too long ago, i got an HP Pavillion Artist's Edition laptop (HP Pavillion dv2700) with a built-in webcam, running Vista. even more recently i decided to try to get a program i could use to record my desktop, just for fun. i tried a program called ManyCam (since it was free). however, it didn't seem to work with Youcam, and when i tried using Youcam, that wouldn't work either. ManyCam froze when i tried to select the webcam as the source, and Youcam simply showed a black screen where i should've been able to see myself. in the end i uninstalled Youcam (i also no longer have quickplay because i was sick of it starting every time i accidentally brushed the button).

after searching for a solution i tried downloading and installing a non-HP driver (Chicony--now the driver shows up as Acer Crystal Eye webcam). this didn't help any. i even tried a different program, Debut Video Capture Software. still no luck (when i select "device" as the source i just get a black screen). i've looked everywhere i could think for a solution but have yet to find one. any help would be greatly appreciated. just ask if any additional information is needed.

EDIT: ok, here's what i did: i uninstalled the chicony driver, as well as ManyCam and the other program i had installed. i also got skype, on a friend's recommendation. i restarted my computer to install updates. the hp webcam driver seemed to be installed and running fine. skype detected my webcam. however i still got no picture, just a blank/black screen. even on msn. i found a torrent of youcam and installed it, but it keeps telling me there's no video device detected. my webcam is turning on, but beyond that it's still not working.

 

Do you get an error message or just no response?

 

just no response. nothing at all.

 

Uninstall the Chicony/Acer driver that you installed for the webcam. Then see if you can try and test the webcam using an instant messaging program (like AOL Instant Messenger or Windows Live Messenger). If it does not work on these programs, there might be a conflict occurring with another program (or maybe even another piece of hardware?) -- which can be difficult to pinpoint. Make sure you also have the latest Windows updates installed, just to be safe.

 

ok, here's what i did: i uninstalled the chicony driver, as well as ManyCam and the other program i had installed. i also got skype, on a friend's recommendation. i restarted my computer to install updates. the hp webcam driver seemed to be installed and running fine. skype detected my webcam. however i still got no picture, just a blank/black screen. even on msn. i found a torrent of youcam and installed it, but it keeps telling me there's no video device detected. my webcam is turning on, but beyond that it's still not working.

 

well if u want it to work the way u want it to work u need to have quick play i suggest u again install it.as u can record and capture photos and videos if u hav quick play so u have to instal it.as ur cam seems to be working and ur only problem is preview u i guess it shold solve ur problem