I can only guess what you problem is, because I don't fully understand
your description.
I guess you face the problem that when you boot with the webcam plugged
in, you have no sound from your soundcard. Is this the case? The only
workaround I know and use myself with my Philips PVC webcam is, to boot
without the USB webcam plugged in. Later when system is up I do connect
the camera.
Alexander
Ok, did that too. Sound keeps working after plugging the cam in. The
hardware-browser recognizes the cam, but Gimp doesn't show the cam as
possible input device. Any idea?