Q: FaceTime won't start because my camera is not switched on. How do I switch the camera on?  Am using Mavericks on a MacBook Pro

I have the same issue here after update to OS X Mavericks 10.9.2. It's probably a hardware issue, as I had this problem before. We'll have to wait for another update to fix it. I'm using a Macbook Air (13-inch Mid 2012).

iSight camera failure after OS X 10.9 Mavericks update: Apple Support Communities

Did all that still no cam working or showing in the profiler hardware "camera". It only show on safe mode but then u have no sound.

iMac 2009

Jim, whle I appreciate that you've tried to help, none of your solutions are working. The problem is not with our computers. The problem is with Apple's update. THEY should be taking responsibility for this.

A call to Apple Care netted nothing. We turned off the laptop, reset it a number of ways, created a test user..., nothing. Except they noted I have an older laptop. This is way too coincidental to be a hardware issue and there's no good reason to have changed any drivers for a camera that was working.

Ironically, the update said it was supposed to add audio calling to FaceTime, except that doesn't work because the app can't find my camera. You just can't fix stupidity.

My only option is to Time Machine back to the day before I installed Mavericks which will also restore swiping within the few apps that some Apple bonehead removed it from. Of course, this then removes any updates to a variety of Apple and third-party applications as well as any new programs I've purchased that only work with Mavericks.

I'm not finding the forums to be very helpful these days, not because folks like yourself aren't trying but because Apple keeps doing things that just don't make sense.

You're most welcome, FlutePixzy!

FlutePixzy wrote: ... Apple Care netted nothing... Except they noted I have an older laptop...

If your older laptop meets Apple's published minimum OS X Mavericks: System Requirements, Apple technicians can make it work on your older laptop (if you decide that any service cost is worth the expense.)  If so, call Apple Care again and politely ask them how to proceed.   Ask to speak with a supervisor or manager if you don't get satisfaction.  Limit the discussion to your Mac's problem(s).

Your assessment of Apple's shortcomings are unlikely to help anything.

Technicians may need to inspect your Mac before they can give you an accurate service cost estimate.  There may be a separate charge for the inspection of your older Mac, so ask about that, too, if cost is an issue for you.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.9

Jim,

Just noticed your reply in my spam folder this morning as I was retrieving a file that Apple sent. My laptop meets the minimum requirements.

A second call to Apple got me connected to a pro tech. We've had a couple of conversations, run more tests, reinstalled Mavericks and this morning I'm running a capture data program and will be sending that to him so that the "engineers" can take a look at why my camera shows up under USB hardware in the system information but not under Camera, same place.

We also talked about the swipe feature and of course, I tempered my comments. Venting here doesn't mean I don't know how to communicate effectively to a warm body on the other end of the phone.

Pro tech also set up an appointment at my "local" (1.5 hrs away) genius bar so they can run a complete diagnostic on my laptop. If we discover what the problem is, I'll be sure to post back.

In the end, I'm waiting for the next generation of Macbook Pros to be released so I can send this one to my oldest granddaughter. The camera issue will have to be resolved, one way or the other, before she gets it so I can FaceTime with my great-grandson.