These Vimicro webcams can be had on ebay for around $15.
If you are anything like me, losing drivers for older hardware comes naturally. After scouring google high and low I managed to find these working drivers.
Most search engines usually point to various sites who want to charge for this driver download. Here it is, no bull attached. Enjoy: Vimicro USB Webcam Driver 301
Works with Window98 to XP
UPDATE:
I found the latest drivers for Windows 2000, XP and Vista 32 and 64 bit. Grab them here: Vimicro XP and Vista
And also this excellent Vimicro detection tool (with download link): Vimicro detector
The detector will download the correct driver for what ever Vimicro webcam model you have - Very handy.
All files as always, have been scanned with the latest version of Avast.
I'll keep updating this page as it seems to be a popular google search.
If you are still having major driver trouble, an application like Driver Robot can do wonders - never worry about a driver again.
Updated 12-04-09
There are quite a few cheap webcams available on ebay a lot still use the Vimicro chipset:
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80 MP USB Webcam Mic PC Laptop web cam Snapshot Vista |  |
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AU $6.99 | 3h 25m |
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Creative Live Cam Notebook Webcam Built in Mic USB | |
|
AU $29.95 | 6d 4h 20m |
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Builtin Mic 80 M Pixel USB Web Cam Webcam | |
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AU $30.00 | 7h 58m |
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Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 2MP Webcam Camera MIC VISTA | |
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AU $115.00 | 8h 21m |
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Microsoft LifeCam NX 6000 20 MegaPixel Webcam Retail | |
|
AU $59.95 | 12h 10m |
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Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000 20MP Webcam Autofocus | |
|
AU $89.00 | 3d 7h 47m |
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Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000 20MP Webcam Autofocus | |
|
AU $119.00 | 3d 11h 24m |
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20 usb laptop webcam mic | |
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AU $3.00 | 2d 1h 11m |
January 19th, 2010 at 1:37 am
hi thankls for the driver , iv found it a few places today(as iv lost the original disc) but i cant get any of these lil driver packs that have the mic driver too , i remeber the original disc wwent thru 2 installations, 1 for cam and 1 for mic but cant seem to get mic working , would love to have it all firing as we talk to relatives in Australia alot and its so much easier with mic!!
any help greatfully appreciated
January 19th, 2010 at 11:05 am
The Vimicro cam I have just gets plugged into the Microphone input on my soundcard, you just need to set it up in the volume control panel. The webcam MSN wizard should help with this also.