I don't know what software are you using and what kind of operation system do you use. The
ONVIF camera software I use made my things much easier. It is compatible with Windows 7 and it can be used to record and save the live video stream, implement PTZ motion control and alarming function, and it can turn USB webcams into an IP camera. In my opinion it was designed for companies, but I think you can also use it, if you download its trial version. You can find it here:
ONVIF downoad