Cannot get external micrphone to work

mrob wrote:
> I'm trying to get a basic/standard microphone to work on my computer. I've
> searched Help & Support and all suggestions send me to Speech Recognition in
> my control panel. When I get there the options suggested are not in my
> window. Please help!!!

What do you want to use the microphone for? Voice functions of an
Instant Messenger application? Creating a sound file? Voice
communication function in a game?

Desktop or notebook?

If desktop is sound integrated into motherboard or are you using a sound
card?

Right click on "My Computer". Click "Properties" on the resulting
context menu. Click "Hardware" tab. Click the "Device Manager" button.
Expand the "Sound, video and game controllers" branch to verify that
your sound acceleration hardware is installed.

Look for an icon in the notification area (the part of the task bar that
shows the time) that looks like a speaker. Double click it. For most
applications you would mute the microphone in the "Play Control". In the
Play Control's menu click "Properties" on the "Options" menu. Select the
"recording" radio button. Make sure the "Microphone" is checked. Click
"OK" in the "Properties" dialog. The "Play Control" will become the
"Recording Control". Check "Select" in the "Microphone" column and
adjust the Balance and volume.