Always scan any downloaded .exe from the Internet Archive with Windows Defender or Malwarebytes before running it.
While it lacks the 1080p or 4K resolution of modern cameras, for standard video calls, it remains a perfectly functional piece of hardware. The model number 1357 is the specific hardware ID you will often see printed on the sticker on the bottom of the camera or on the USB cable. This number is crucial when searching for the correct software, as Microsoft released several versions of the LifeCam with similar names but different internal chipsets.
Do not plug the VX-500 in until the installer prompts you to connect the device. This ensures the correct driver mapping.
This creates a dilemma for users. The hardware is physically working, but the software "bridge" (the driver) that allows Windows to talk to the camera is missing. Microsoft expects Windows Update to handle this automatically, but for older legacy hardware like Model 1357, the automatic search often fails.
You might ask: Is it worth finding a legacy driver for a VGA camera?
Navigate to the official Microsoft Download Center. You are looking for the "Microsoft LifeCam" software. The specific version you generally want is LifeCam 3.6 or sometimes LifeCam 4.25 (depending on your OS architecture).