The most common causes for this issue are incorrect settings for the computer’s soundcard software or incorrect connection of the microphone to the computer’s soundcard. Before beginning troubleshooting, make sure you are connecting the microphone into the microphone jack on your sound card. If you are not sure which jack is the microphone jack, please refer to your sound card or computer documentation.

Second, you will need to verify that your sound card is your preferred recording device. To do so, access your Sound and Audio Devices control panel in you Control Panel. Select the Audio tab and verify that your sound card is selected in the drop down menu for sound recording. 

Next, verify the microphone is set to record sound. To do this, please use the following instructions:

1. Double click on the speaker icon in the System Tray to open the Volume Control.
2. Look for Microphone balance and volume slider. If you do not see it, click on the Options button, then click "Properties."
3. Ensure "Playback" is selected in the Adjust volume for box.
4. Scroll through the volume controls list and place a checkmark in the box for Microphone.
5. Click "OK."
6. Place a checkmark in the box below Microphone if it is marked “Mute.” If the box is marked “Select,” uncheck the box.
7. Click “OK.”
8. Click on the Options button, then click “Properties.”
9. Select Recording in the “Adjust volume for” box.
10. Click “OK.”
11. Uncheck the box below “Microphone,” if it is marked “Mute.” If the box is marked “Select,” place a checkmark in the box.
12. Make sure that the microphone volume is up to at least halfway.

Next test the microphone in the Windows Sound Recorder. To do this, please use the following instructions:

1. Click “Start,” “All Programs,” “Accessories,” “Entertainment” or “Multimedia,” and then click “Sound Recorder.”
2. Click the Record button and talk into the microphone. As you talk, you should see the green line expand and contract like a voice pattern.
3. Click the Stop button.
4. Click the Play button; you should be able to hear what you recorded.

If the microphone works in the Windows Sound Recorder, it should work in other applications that can record sound through a microphone. If it does not work in a particular program, please contact the software manufacturer.

If you are using a USB headset, you can still follow the above instructions. However, when selecting your microphone as the preferred recording device, you will need to select the USB headset as your preferred recording device.