Troubleshooting a PC Mic Input
Ensure Connection
The first (and most common) problem that PC users encounter with mic inputs is hardware connectivity. There are two main ways to connect a microphone to your computer: through the mic-input jack or via a USB cord. If you have a microphone in the microphone jack, make sure it is the correct jack. There are three identical jacks in the back of the computer (microphone, headphone and speaker), and if the symbol that shows what the connection is for has rubbed off, you may want to try other jacks, as you may have accidentally plugged the microphone into the wrong jack. If you are using a USB drive, try plugging it into a different drive. If you are using an advanced microphone, you may need to plug the microphone into a USB 2.0 port. Consult your computer's owner's manual if you are unsure which USB ports follow the 2.0 protocol.
Make Sure Proper Drivers Are Installed
If you are suing a computer with windows XP/Vista and are using a new model of microphone, you will need to have some drivers installed so your computer can communicate with the microphone. If this is your first time using the microphone, or if you have recently performed a system restore/reset, see if you can find a CD that was bundled with the microphone and which has the applicable drivers on it. If you can't find the microphone or the drivers were not included, try visiting the manufacturer's website for alternate download sites.
Double-Check Audio Settings
When you are using an audio device, an icon appears in your system tray. This icon will vary according to your sound card, but when you double-click on it, you should see some sliders that you can use to adjust the level of the volume for speakers, headphones and mic inputs. Make sure the slider is turned up to a reasonable level for both the mic and your computer speakers, so you can test the microphone properly. Note: If your speakers are turned all the way off, your mic's volume may lower or mute automatically to prevent feedback. In this case, just turn the volume on your speakers down until the management utility allows you to turn the microphone back up.
