Problem with Logitech QuickCam Chat Gain/Exposure Control Settings.?

[Mikeasaurus]

First off, I'm sad to say I don't know what model my webcam is, nor do I know any methods of figuring out what it might be. Though, it IS a relatively old model. All the information I can provide about the webcam is that is looks like this: http://www.bestcam.bg/images/6611.jpg, and is produced by Logitech.

So, I've had this webcam for over three years now, and all this time, everyone I chat with has complained about it being too dark, or too "pixelated". Today, while messing around with the settings, I found I could increase the brightness without creating even more pixels flying around the screen. I reduced the gamma option to 0, white balance to max, and a couple other touches. In the "Advanced" tab, there are options for "exposure" and "gain". When I move the sliders all the way to max, the camera displays a perfect image, free of flying pixels, or a poorly lit scene.

Now, the problem is that the instant the sliders hit max, or even close enough to make the image remotely visible, they kick back down to a certain level at which my screen becomes dark, and I look like a serial killer again. Not only do settings return to default instantly in the "Advanced" tab, but when I close this "democap.exe", most of the settings will be back to the way they were, before I changed anything. This is to say that all changes to settings do not apply to applications, programs, or websites such as Skype, AIM, TokBox, Meebo, and leave a dark and foreboding image while I webcam.

All in all, to anyone has methods of changing settings to a Logitech Webcam and keeping them for future use in most programs, any and all help is appreciated.