webcam config for teleconf.

Is there anyone out there that can point me to config a webcam, (any webcam). It seems to be a settings issue. But any cam, or OS I use does not seem to make the process any better. I have tried on old and new machines. Win 9x, NT 2000 and now XP. I have tried 6 diff cameras, (mostly intel cams) I have seen web cams on telco modems work better then my setting do. I also get the same results on cable modem, or intranet connection. I have tried different apps. None seem to make any differance. What am I missing? Thanks.