Lucid and Skype

[Errol Sapir]

I've been using Kubuntu ever since making the complete change from 
Windows a number of years ago. I still have to use Windows at work for 
certain particular functions so I have a dual boot on my computer.
My computer has an AMD 5300 CPU with 2 giga ram. The other component 
that needs to be mentioned before I outline my problem is the graphic 
and sound cards. Both are OB  Nvidia. The graphic card is a GEforce 6600 
and has the NVidia 195.36.24 drivers running it. The sound card is the 
NVidia CK804.
Ever since installing Lucid (about a month ago) I have been unable to 
use Skype. I installed Lucid first as an upgrade and the from the CD 
after formating the partition. The problem is both with the microphone 
(I cannot be heard - even during the test) AND with the webcam (doesn't 
turn on with Skype). I can hear people who contact me, i.e. the speakers 
work. In Karmic (and other previous versions of Kubuntu) I was able to 
use Skype without a problem. I have tried every tweak I can think of 
(and have read about) but I guess my knowledge is too limited to solve 
the problem. In windows Skype works without a problem and because of 
that I am forced to reboot every time I need Skype. I cannot get it to 
work in Lucid.
I of course have had radical thoughts (try Ubuntu with Gnome, go back to 
Karmic, or even try another distro :-[ )  to solve the problem but maybe 
this forum could prevent those "solutions".
TIA
Errol