I'm sorry to hear things aren't working properly with your webcam. In order to try and troubleshoot this, here are a few things to try:

• Is there enough light in the room? Flip a switch to light up the room a bit more.
• Is your camera functioning properly? Try your camera alone; separate from Yahoo! Messenger, using the manufacturer's software that came with the camera.
• Yahoo! Messenger might have the wrong camera selected. Follow the steps below to change your camera source.

1. Click "Messenger"
2. Click "My Webcam.
3. Click "Messenger" again.
4. Select "Preferences."
5. Click "Webcam."
6. Click "Camera Source."
7. Click the pull-down menu and select the camera you want to use.
8. Click "OK."

If that doesn't work, your friend might have one of the same problems with the camera on his or her end. They should try the same steps to see if that helps.

Hopefully the info here will help get things running smoothly!