Having trouble with my new Gigaware webcam

Hey, folks. I just bought a webcam from Radio Shack (because I don't have the necessary $40 to buy a nice webcam) and I'm about to chuck the thing out the window.

I installed the programs provided, and the drivers, I reinstalled them with the webcam unplugged, I've restarted my computer at least five times. I'm getting to my wit's end right about now with this stupid thing.

I tried to take some stills just to test it out, and the program is saying that it can't connect. I tried going through Windows Live Messenger, and it says that other programs are using my webcam when I don't have any open!

I'm running it using Windows 7, and specs that should otherwise have no troubles running it. If anyone can *please* help me, I'd be very grateful. Thanks!

-Ron