Windows Live Messenger 2009 & Logitech webcam

I've had several problems with WLM 2009.

First, I help several family members via remote assitance. I've found that
with WLM 2009 I can't accept a remote assistance request because the app
states that I need to upgrade to a newer version of messenger. I've resorted
to using an old version of MSN Messenger for this purpose, so much for
upgrading!

Second and most annoyingly, I've been using my Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000 to
communicate with a family member. For a while it worked just fine, but now
when I start a video call it freezes. I can hear the "ringing" as it tries
to make a connection but it never connects, nor can I close it down. Ending
the program doesn't work as I get an endless loop of "you have chosen to end
a non-responsive program" messages and error reports to be sent to Microsoft.
I've uninstalled and reinstalled both my webcam software and WLM 2009. I
would use my old MSN Messenger app but when I request a video call on it it
states that the person I'm attempting to contact doesn't have video
capabilities, LOL. Any ideas?