Webcam not starting through YouCam applicatio​n

Question

I have an HP Pavilion dv6 Notebook, product number LW217UA#ABA.
I haven't had any trouble with the webcam in the past, but when I tried to Skype recently my camera wouldnt turn on. Then I went to the YouCam application, and I get an error message stating: "No webcam detected. Try plugging in a webcam into your computer now. if you are using an integrated camera, make sure it is turned on."
Ive searched for help on this issue through the forums and I was told to check the device manager to see if there is any imaging device listed. There is not. If this is indeed the problem, how do I go about fixing it?
Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi Bmh,
The sad thing about webcams is that they can last forever - then they die.  Or not.  There is no way to tell for sure what is wrong with it EXCEPT that the Device Manager cannot see it.  Unfortunately, the Device Manager is pretty stupid:  it either sees a device (your webcam) or it does not.  There is no in between.  The bit doing the managing is really the YouCam driver.
There is a rather limited document you can look at that shows what to do in the even that your webcam stops working (or never worked).  Here is the link:
Connecting and Testing Webcam in Windows 7
The document may help... and may not if your webcam is really dead or really stuck...
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You can try resetting the Notebook.  This is called the "Hard Reset" because it kicks everything, presumably hard enough to reset all the connections - IF the webcam has not developed a loose wire connection (a real possibility and one you've no doubt read about here on the forum), then the Reset may reset the webcam connection with the Device Manager.
Hard Reset:
Sometimes all you need to do is kick the computer.  This method works for a variety of connection and ‘stuck’ program issues.
Disconnect all external devices first.
Remove AC power and the battery
Press and hold power button for at least 30 seconds
Reinstall only AC power for first startup ** See Note
Power on - Log in
Next time you shut down the system, reinstall battery.
** Note: You can ignore the bit about leaving the battery out.  If you like, reinstall battery the first time and be done with it.
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There are lots and lots of HP forum posts on webcams - I've written some of them.  READ, read, read.  Help may be here somewhere.  Don't give up yet. 
If you try everything, do everything, and nothing works:
Get it fixed by sending it in for repair (that does work, I've done this.)
Give up and buy a really nice Logitec Pro 9000 webcam - awesome clip-on webcam, I've done this.
Buy a new notebook, I've not done this to fix a webcam, but a new notebook is a great thing to have
Don't kill the messanger.  I don't work for HP.  I've had webcams that work for years.  I've also had webcams that were DOA from the factory on a brand new notebook.  It happens.
I hope this helps!
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