I'm a complete techno-peasant myself BUT I'm learning a lot as I get used to my new Gateway laptop. A couple of things come to mind - maybe there's a problem with the USB port you've got the webcam plugged in to - have you been able to use that port for anything else like a mouse or ??? Also make sure that the software you downloaded is for the O/S you're actually running - if you're trying to use XP drivers on a computer running Windows 98 I'm pretty sure that won't work! (I realize I may be stating the obvious but I don't know how much you know so better too much info than too little, I hope?).
I know that when I first got a webcam it was really touchy that first I had to install the CD, then I had to plug in the webcam, then I had to reboot the computer, blah, blah, blah. If you've gone through ALL the steps per the installation CD and it's still not working, see if one of your friends has a teenaged brother to try (my kid does s--t with my computer that blows my mind...lol).
Good luck!
Darlene Stimson
October 2006