Microphone not working

[Jacob]

Hello

Since I bought the head set 2 years ago, the Mic has not worked on my computer(apart from a very faint sound when I scream into it). I have recently done a fresh install of windows and was hoping that would solve the problem.

I am running Windows xp sp3.

*checked the head set is pluged in correctly (corosponding colours for mic and head phones)

*Did the skype sound check

*uninstalled nivida drivers and updated from their website

*checked headphones on alternative computer - work fine.

*checked setting on audio device settings (sound recording/recording control has microphone selected)

Was wondering if the hardware is faulty or loose??

Thanks

[-pops-]

Do alternative headsets work on the problem computer?

[Jacob]

Do alternative headsets work on the problem computer?

Good point, I have not checked.

[-pops-]

The jack sockets used for most audio connections on computers aren't very robust and are easily damaged. It could be that is what has happened with your system.

[Jacob]

I will add that the problem computer is a desk top tower and there are 3 small jack lines in the back of it - pink, green and blue.

[Jacob]

I am using sound recorder to check the mic, there is sound coming through, just very faint?

[Jacob]

Have just done a Windows XP Sound Hardware test for the mic. There is no reading from the recording meter.

[catgate]

Have just done a Windows XP Sound Hardware test for the mic. There is no reading from the recording meter.

Are you using front connector sockets or rear connectors?

[Jacob]

Gosh, I had not even noticed the two small conections in the front! Using the front there is no sign that the headset is beeing recognised by the computer, nothing works.

[catgate]

Gosh, I had not even noticed the two small connections in the front! Using the front there is no sign that the headset is being recognised by the computer, nothing works.

The reason I asked was that on some motherboards the coupling of the front connectors to the motherboard automatically prevents the rear ones from working.

I suppose the next question is do you have a separate sound card or are you using an on board system?

[Jacob]

The reason I asked was that on some motherboards the coupling of the front connectors to the motherboard automatically prevents the rear ones from working.

I suppose the next question is do you have a separate sound card or are you using an on board system?

I am using a seperate sound card.

[Jacob]

The jack sockets used for most audio connections on computers aren't very robust and are easily damaged. It could be that is what has happened with your system.

I took a look and I can not tell if there is anything wrong, can this bit be replaced?

[-pops-]

You have to be very adept with a soldering iron to be able to repair modern circuit boards.

What I would do is replace the sound card, assuming it isn't a very expensive one. New cards range in price from very cheap to extremely expensive. I glean from your description that the current one is not a costly one.

You can also replace an on-board sound card with a separate one. You will probably need to disable the original card in the computer's BIOS.

[Jacob]

You can also replace an on-board sound card with a separate one. You will probably need to disable the original card in the computer's BIOS.

Perhaps I need to replace the on-board sound card for the current separate one to work? Any links to a tut on disabling?

Thanks

[-pops-]

If you have on board sound competing with a separate sound card, that could well be the reason you are having a problem.

The on board sound is disabled in the BIOS. Your motherboard manual should tell you how to do this. If you are not confidant about doing this, the best thing would be to get someone experienced to do it for you. The BIOS can be a dangerous place to enter if you are not extremely careful.

[Gandalph]

Have you tried right clicking the Speaker Icon on the bottom right of the System Tray to bring up your sound settings.

Check the Microphone does not have a check mark in the box. If it has click on it to remove it as this would have stopped the Microphone from working.