Webcam help.

I have an emachines laptop that I got about a year and a half ago. im not sure of the exact model, BUT, when I try to start the webcam, it starts up and then automatically closes! I have manycam and use skype, but it only works when it wants to. what to do....?

That sounds like a hardware issue. You should contact Emachine support:

http://support.gateway.com/us/en/emac/product/