via this blog I discovered how to be able to use skype without problems in ubuntu 9.04

In spite of not being open source skype is always useful to make private calls to the family Enjoy the solution:

When running Skype on Ubuntu 9.04, you will get the following error message when making a test call:

“Problem with Audio Playback”

The problem is that Ubuntu uses pulse audio and Skype does not play nicely with it. To fix it, do the following:

1. Open Skype options and select Sound Devices
2. Change Sound In, Sound Out and Ringing to use “pulse”
3. Clear the check mark next to “Allow Skype to automatically adjust my mixer levels” (This step may not be required)
4. Press the Apply button and then the Close button.

You should now be able to place a test call.