I would say it's all to much hassle, a guide here to update the firmware this may or may not work or even be needed......or may even break something.
We used to use a WinXP netbook with a range of Philips webcams, toucam/SPC880/900 also have an Astronomisers LongExposure version we have never got to work properly.......... secondhand netbooks are cheap............
Astronomiser rehoused the internals from Philips or possibly other cameras (logitec ?), mod used a serial lead, the usb adapter (as above) came in different types, some worked. What software have you tried the camera with, or perhaps you just plugged into a usb port and expected plug and play.
Sorry not to be more helpful, things have moved on a lot since 2006 and I think these webcams have been left behind, may be an idea to start a thread asking for guide camera suggestions, I am not really up to date but am sure some suggestions would be helpful.