I have checked every menu item on the main screen of Skype but NOWHERE can I find something to click to start a VIDEO call.
I have enabled Video (in Tools/options), my webcam looks fine, Direct X is OK, lots of memory, so WHERE do I look to start a Videocall. It sounds dumb, but I just cannot find anything that remotely looks a like a 'Video Chat Start' button.
Please enlighten me...!
Pvanvoor.

I have exactly the same problem!!! I also cannot not see the "start video" button for any contact I have! I did the setting in the Option menu, and still nothing happens. Very wired! I don't know how to fix it.

sorry my reply does not help you to solve the problem, but at least you know that you are not alone...

Try first calling and connecting to your contact, then the Start Video button should appear.

Or tools>..............option>................General>.............tick>............ enable Skype Video>...............tick>...........Start my video automatically when in a call>................save.

I also have exactly the same problem. Skype support told me to upgrade to the beta-version 3.5 so I´m trying this. Have your problem been solved yet - and what did you do to solve it in that case?
// Ann

I also have exactly the same problem. I use Windows XP Home SP2 (Swedish). I've tried the 3.2.0.175 and the 3.5 beta version, in english and swedish but I can not use video chat with my friends. videoecho123 works fine!?

Please check the Skype Video Tutorial and report back with the step that fails for you.

Problem solved, for me. Video now works with version 3.5.0.202.

I cannot see a video button either, but cannot run echovideo123 because I am running Vista and it will not download.

You will not see the video button unless both you and the person you are talking to have Video Enabled even though the person you are takling to may not have video.