Webcam problem

I'm looking for some help with my webcam. I'm a new notebook owner and user. I recently purchased an HP Pavilion 9000 that came with XP but is "Vista capable." I upgraded to Vista Ultimate because I was able to get a copy from a friend of mine (who works at Microsoft) at her employee price.
I had to reinstall several drivers so far but even though I have reinstalled the webcam driver (many times) I am still having a problem with the webcam. When I click on the Webcam icon nothing happens. The webcam "Demo" program works but not the webcam program itself. I have contacted HP support but they have not been able to help me with my problem. In fact they have been down right rediculous. Even when I can understand what they are saying. They say that because I didn't purchase an OEM version of Vista that my software warrenty is voided. I've contacted their cooperate office and was told that this shouldn't be the case. I've been communicating with a senior Microsoft "Vista" support tech. as well.
I have been able to determine that my problem isn't with the driver because the webcam works with the "Demo" program and with "Windows Messenger." I seem to have lost the program that actually operates the webcam. I asked HP support if they could provide me with a copy of that program and they said it wasn't available because it is a "third party" program!? Microsoft has actually been more willing to try to resolve my problem but they have stated that because it is a "third party" program, there is not much they can do either. I intend to re-contact HP corporate because the last time I discussed this issue with them, I thought it was driver related and they said I'd have to wait for the driver to become available.
If there is anyone that is willing to read all of this rambling and knows how to obtain a program that will operate my webcam or has any other suggetions regarding this issue I would be most gratefull.
I may have to revert to XP using the recovery discs I made when I first got this notebook but I am getting used to Vista and like the security it provides (somewhat.)
I purchased this notebook through an online website that uses points that I accumulated through my Marriott Timeshare's points program, so I am not able to get help through the seller.
Thanks to anyone who might be able to help me!

 

You may want to try this out. Worked for a number of people...

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=149463

 

Thanks paj4x4, but it didn't work for me. I see that Dylan is accumulating many threads to show HP how many people are having webcam problems!