Well, I found the forums at Skype.com and did a bit of poking around. Apparently, I’m not the only person who’s SkypeIn number simply doesn’t work. In fact, there seems to be a huge number of people who are experiencing this.
I don’t think I’ll get a refund yet. I’ve got a month to do so, and I’d like to see if they can sort out the problem. It’s a pretty awesome service (in theory). The fact that I could get a number in Germany or England, and have friends in the countries be able to call me at local rates… that’s just awesome.
Now, if the service would just.. well, work.
Edit: As an aside, does anyone else find it odd that a VOIP service provider doesn’t provide a phone number that users can call for support?
I bought my first SkypeIn Number in October 2006. The number worked when I was online, the answering machine worked sometimes. It all stopped working in December 2006. I still purchased the number for a whole year 2007 hoping that the technical problems were momentary. Skype has not answered two requests I have sent to their support and there does not seem to be hope that I will one day find a person to take care of my problem. Sure it would be great service it it worked so far it is a rip off.
I had the same problem and this worked for me. You may want to try it also:
In your Skype window follow these steps:
1. Go to Tools
2. Options
3. Calls
4. Calls Settings
5. Despite what setting’s there, change to or click
on “Allow SkypeIn calls from: Only people
from my Contact”
6. Save and Wait 5 minutes
7. Go to File > Click on Sign Out to log off your Skype account
8. Log back in
9. Repeat steps 1-4
10. Change settings back to “Allow SkypeIn calls from: Anyone”
11. Save and Wait 5 Minutes
12. Repeat step 7 to log out of Skype again
13. Log back in.
14. Now Try calling your online number
( It worked for me. )
This procedure was said to usually help “refresh” Skype’s status and has helped alot of users in the past. So, good luck.
Brilliant, it worked!! Thanks a million!!!!