I have a scanner a hp 3200c that doesnt show the scanned image/text instead it shows a black space where the output image is supposed to be displayed.I am not the one who has being having it,I just got the other day so I dont know its history much.I am sure I downloaded /using the best driver for this scanner.Any ideas to where and what to troubleshoot?

Could be a bad bulb...i assume the bulb is lighting up in the scanner when your scanning?

Also what OS are you using?

I am running windows 98se with a pentium iii but about the light ,I thought its normal, the bulb should light to scan and its doing just that. One more thing is that it makes some noise when the bulb gets to the end of the glass panel b4 getting back to its position.

It may be locked. You bought this used? If someone shipped it they may have locked the scanner in place. Look around on the chasis and see if there is a locking screw or switch