I once came across the same problem you had. But actually, one most important that you should do is… if you had install any kind of webcam on your computer before, you must totally UNINSTALL the previous webcam software and all of its drivers (by using the installer of the previous webcam software.) Once this is done, i’m sure you’ll find delight with this great cam.

Hello.

I recently purchased a V-Gear TalkCam Tracer CCD webcam
for use with my HP Pavilion dv5000US laptop. I chose it for the
features it offered, plus a reasonable price.

When installed, it did not function. By mail, I returned it to the
dealer I bought it from for exchange. Sixteen days later I
received a parcel containing… the webcam I had sent them in
the first place!! An accompanying letter explained they had tested
the webcam in 2 systems and didn’t find any problems. Okay,
I suppose I can make mistakes like anyone else, so I did a
reinstall. Same problem as before.

I went to the V-Gear website and downloaded a later driver than
the one I’d received on disc and installed it. Still no joy… the
webcam didn’t work. Back to website, where I finally discovered
a topic entitled ‘compatibility list’.

Upon opening, what I discovered was a list of ATI chipsets which
are ‘unfriendly’ to the webcam. Back to my laptop to check the
components… and of course, it was then I then learned that my
laptop’s chipset was ‘an unfriendly’. (ATI Xpress 200M)

I seized the packaging of the webcam and carefully re-read it.
Let’s see… glamour display front, photo-rich rear, specs, system
requirements and box contents on one side and box contents
in 4 other languages on the other. On the bottom… a warranty
service certificate. NO LIST OF ‘UNFRIENDLY’ CHIPSETS TO BE
FOUND… not even on the install sheet inside!!!

I phoned the dealer and discussed the matter. He told me he
knew nothing about the ‘unfriendly’ chipset list but thanks for
letting him know. And since there was nothing wrong with the
webcam he was unwilling to take it back. He did suggest I
contact ATI to see if they might have a solution for me!

As it stands, I’m now out the cost of a webcam I cannot use
($66.67 incl. taxes), the cost of postage each way ($14.64 total),
and nearly 3 weeks of frustration.

There was no way I could have avoided this incident, since the
webcam’s packaging provided no warning to potential buyers
of the ‘unfriendly’ chipsets. I therefore request that you
provide me with a webcam of equal or better quality which will
function with my laptop, OR that you reimburse me for all out
of pocket costs ($81.31) to date.

Should you be willing to pay for shipment of the Tracer CCD
Talkcam, I will be most happy to return it, though in compensation
for all the inconvenience I have been caused I should be allowed
to keep it. (I’m sure it would make a fine gift to some friend who
possesses a computer not equipped with an ‘unfriendly’ ATI chipset.)

Sincerely,

Mr. Lea G.
email: prosperous1@shaw.ca