Member Avatar for MiketheBook

My wife's new laptop with Vista basic comes with an integral webcam and Cyberlink Youcam software but when she has tried to use it with Skype, a black screen with the software name on it pops up and almost covers the video screen blocking out the picture of the person she's talking to. So far all we've found to do is disconnect and reconnect and she has about 30 seconds before the black screen pops up again. It's likely something very basic but can anyone help please?

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A common cause of the black CyberLink panel covering Skype's video is that YouCam either runs a persistent preview/overlay or exposes a virtual camera driver that interferes with the real webcam. That fits ’s original symptom, explains why ’s note about changing Skype’s device can be hit-or-miss, and also explains ’s report that “Cyberlink” sometimes doesn’t appear in Skype’s list. The age of the thread () doesn’t change the troubleshooting pattern for Vista-era laptops.

Practical, low-risk steps (do them in order):

  • Exit YouCam completely: right-click the system tray icon and choose Exit (or end CyberLink/YouCam processes in Task Manager). Restart Skype and check video.
  • Stop YouCam auto-start (YouCam’s preferences or msconfig) so it doesn’t claim the camera before Skype launches.
  • Open Device Manager → Imaging devices (or Cameras). If there are two entries (a hardware camera and a CyberLink/virtual camera), disable the virtual entry so applications see only the physical device.
  • Test the camera in a simple viewer (Windows Camera/AMCap) to confirm the hardware feed is clean.
  • Update or reinstall the laptop webcam driver from the vendor (not just YouCam). If the problem persists, uninstall YouCam to confirm it is the source of the conflict, then reinstall a version known to be compatible with the OS/Skype version.

Extra notes and cautions: look inside YouCam’s settings for any “preview”, “always on top” or similar options and disable them if present. Create a System Restore point before changing drivers or uninstalling software so changes can be undone. For legacy Vista systems, OEM webcam drivers often matter more than bundled extras—prefer the laptop maker’s driver over third‑party bundles.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for dtsssqwe

Go to tools and select options, video settings and change webcam source

Member Avatar for dtsssqwe

tools in skype***

Member Avatar for sam4eva

it doesn't show cyberlink source, only the default cam.

Member Avatar for Rik_

This is a 2 year old thread!!!

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