I am trying to install a Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 webcam to Windows 7 64-bit.

If I do it without using the Logitech drivers but instead the Windows Update ones, the camera works with low frame rate and without face tracking and all other bells and whistles that it's full driver provides.

The moment I install the latest official Logitech driver, the problems begin:
Camera works fine, until I decide to go to audio settings of the LWS panel or Windows'. Then LWS freezes and with it everything that tries to output audio. I am not able to open Playback/Recording devices window (it just doesn't appear) and system gets unstable and slow with LWS.EXE process not been able to close forcefully.

If I reboot and forget the camera connected, this situation continues and system gets unstable from the beginning.
If I reboot without the camera connected, everything works fine until I connect it and try to do something with audio settings of Windows or LWS panel.

I should note, that until the freezing occurs, camera works as expected, with full frame rate, face tracking and everything that is expected to do.

The soundcard is the ASUS SupremeFX II of the ASUS Striker II Extreme motherboard.

Any ideas of what is causing this or what else to try so I can make it work as advertised?
Thank you.