Can't make a video call

[LisaA]

I'm trying to call my brother, who I've talked to on Skype lots of times before.  Now it won't let me make a video call.  Gives the icon which indicates he's either "on a phone or mobile," which he is not.  Therefore, it will only let me make a paid phone call--not a video call.  What's happened?  How can I fix this??  Thanks!

[g4pilut]

Mac or Windows?  

I can only speak to the Windows versions, in which the latest versions grey out the Video Call button when the contact selected is showing offline.

However, you can still try the video call by clicking on the contat to select it, then right clicking, then clicking on Video Call on the menu that comes up.

[LisaA]

Thanks for your reply--but when I right click on the name, I do not get the choice of Video Call.  That is simply not there.  Can anyone else help with this?  (Or maybe you have another solution.  I appreciate anyone trying!)

[g4pilut]

You never did answer Mac or Windows?

What version of Skype?  Find that in Help > About Skype.

[LisaA]

I have Skype 4.2.0.155 and am using Windows XP on a PC.

[g4pilut]

Ok...that's an old version of Skype which is why my tip about right-clicking didn't work.

Does Skype show your own status as online?

Can you browse websites with Internet Explorer, even if IE isn't your primary browser?

In Internet Explorer, click on Internet Options > General > Browsing history and click Delete.

[LisaA]

I now have downloaded the latest version of Skype but still can't make the video call. IE is my primary browser. I have a PC (Windows XP). When I right click on the person's name, it does NOT give me the choice of "video call."

[g4pilut]

So it's clear, this is what right clicking on a contact should look like in a recent version of Skype....assuming that contact has video capbility, and doesn't have do not show video in their privacy settings.

Pressing on trying to pin down the problem...

Exactly what version of Skype are you running now?

Does it show your own status as online?

Did you clear IE's browsing history?

Can your brother receive video calls from any other contacts?

Do you have the same issue, no choice to make a video call, to other contacts or only your brother?

[tontouw]

I have the free version only installed last week. Bought a camera today which seems to be working > i do not have the option "video call" (green button) Although if I right click contact I can select video call. Do I maybe have to make one call this way before I can select the button ?

[g4pilut]

No, you shouldn't have to make a call to have the green video call button, but the contact you select has to have video and be showing that in their privacy settings.

And again, a contact has to be status online for the green button to appear in full brightness, not greyed out.