Problem with HP webcam and messenging programs (AIM)

I recently bought an HP Pavillion dv6871us laptop with a built in webcam. The webcam itself works perfectly fine. When i go to the program quickcam, the webcam turns on and i can see myself very clearly. I also use two different messaging programs, windows live messenger and AIM, ( i use aim much more). the problem is that if i want to have a video chat on msn messenger, it works fine, but my webcam doesnt even get noticed on AIM/aol instant messenger. it doesnt give me the option to start a video chat because it doesnt detect a webcam. when i go to preferences, the video settings arent even there because the webcam isnt detected. i already tried reinstalling the driver and it still doesnt work. this is very frustrating does anybody have a solution?

 

yes sorry i forgot to mention. i have 32bit vista home premium. i downloaded 2 versions of aim. version 5.9 because its easier to use and the newest version, i think its 6.6 or 6.8. i downloaded the newer aim because i thought the webcam probelm only happened on the old aim, but the same thing happens on the newer aim too. any suggestions?