Microphone not working on my laptop

Funkstard

I've tried a few microphones on my Dell Inspiron 6400 and none work, whereas they do on my desktop. Anyone know what I can do? I reinstalled the soundcard (well I uninstalled it from the add/remove programs and downloaded the latest version off the Dell website) but it didn't work. It's a bit of a joke really that such a basic function doesnt work. BTW the audio from the computer streams into the headset, but the microphone doesnt work. There's a few other things that have made me overall unhappy with this Dell laptop, but that's not what I'm posting about.

Rebeller

How's it going Funkstard,

I'm not a computer expert but the problem may be caused by the fact that the audio in port on your laptop has no power running to it.

In other words, if you plug in a standard mic without a pre-amp the laptop will not be able to pick up any signals as there is no power to operate the mic so to speak.

The only way around this (if this is in fact the problem) would be to purchase a self powered mic.

Hope that helps

good luck

Tom Dunne

It's more than likely you don't have the mic boost enabled.

Go into control panel, sounds and audio devices, audio, sound recording, volume, advanced. Phew. Make sure the tick-box is ticked.

Funkstard

The volume is up for it. I've done everything I can think of in settings

Tom Dunne

It's not the volume, it's the mic boost tick box.

See attached picture.

Funkstard

Ok I'll try that later, I don't remember seeing any options for the mic in sounds and audio devices though