Getting a Microphone to work:
Make sure the Microphone is plugged into the
correct jack:
Sometimes the microphone jack on the back of the
computer is not marked. If so, I go by the location, not the color. The one closest to the
Joystick plug (an oblong plug with about 10 holes) is usually for the speakers. The next
one is usually the Line-In jack. And the last one is usually the Microphone jack.
Make sure the microphone is turned on:
The other problem may be that the microphone could be
turned way down or muted. Double-click on the little speaker icon down next to the clock.
That should give you a number of different volume controls. You might have to go to Options
Menu/Properties and make sure the Microphone control is turned on. Make sure it is
not muted and it is turned up partway.
"Testing - One - Two - Three"
A good way to test the microphone is by using the sound
recorder. It is in Start Menu/Programs/Accessories/Entertainment. Click the Record button
then speak into the microphone. Then play it back and see if it worked.