How can i find out the owner of a phone number if it's a "private" owner?

i did a reverse phone # search on www.whitepages.com to find out who called me, b/c when i called there was no answer, and it's a local number....
the number came back private on the search and i was wondering if there were any sites out there that you can get around that "private" featue.

thanks!
Answer: could be someone bothering you, using a virtual caller-ID spoofing card!!!! its a real pain in the neck!
Cancelling bt broadband but keeping bt phone..
get a private detective
ADT Alarm response if Phone rank is..
hire a computer specialist who could help you with it....but i know that there are gadgets to decode that, better check the internet for info.....
what is the correct answer of "Why..
You can't. Perhaps a professional can.
I am buying a fax machine, does..
Sorry just dont answer, and if it's important I think they would leave a message.
Why would this fax number not work..
If you absoultely MUST find out the owner of an unlisted or cellular number, there are investigative sites that will search it for a nominal fee ($30~$90). Generally, they get the number. Most good services refund the fee, if they don't find a number.

If it's a legal matter, law enformcent agencies (through the phone network provider) can track down the account holders name for just about any phone number (though there's no guarantee the name on the account is legit).