Setting up microphone for Skype

I use headphones with a built-in microphone. They are plugged into the correct ports on the back of the computer (I've checked, double-checked, triple-checked). I have tested the hardware in the Sound Playback section of Control Panel>Sounds and Audio Devices>Voice>Voice Playback and it works just fine.

However, Skype does not detect input from my microphone when I make a test call. Their directions say, "In the Sound Recording, click the Volume button and check the following (in Recording Control window):
Microphone has to be checked in. "

Windows will not let me check the box for Microphone.

Skype's directions further read: "All other options have to be checked off. "

Well, in my Recording Control window, Stereo Mix is checked, and Windows will not let me uncheck it.

I've tried everything I can think of, and yes, I have searched the archives here for a similar problem, and didn't find a solution. I've also read extensively in the Windows XP knowledge base at Microsoft.com, and haven't found any clues.

The gurus here do such a great job solving other computer mysteries. Any ideas on this one?

Thanks!

 

Try reinstalling the driver for the sound card. Maybe it had a problem and it doesn't detect a microphone input section.

 

Arie - Thanks! I did choose "Windows default device" in the Skype settings you mentioned. Unfortunately, that didn't work.

joefine - Thank you, too! I'm beginning to think it could be the sound card, although if that's the case, why does the Windows hardware test indicate that everything is OK? In "Sounds and Audio Devices Properties" it says my computer uses RealtekAC97 Audio. Is that the sound card? I went to the Realtek site to see if I could download a driver, but they don't have a driver download for RealtekAC97.

I'm still very open to opinions/suggestions.

 

Hi feedingcow, I read your post and thought I would check my headphone/mic set and it didn't work so I did some checking. I had everything working in the Audio system - no problems - so I went into Skype > Tools > Options > Audio Settings > Microphone and clicked on the box which showed Windows Default and my comp system (VIA AC'97 Audio Wave). I clicked on VIA and did the same with Speakers. OK'ed out and still had no action from the Headset/Mic so I thought I would recheck my plug connections were correct on the comp panel and I found I hadn't pushed the Mic plug completely in. Everything is working sweet. I thought I would Post what I did in case it helps you. Neil.

 

Soukd card woes

For a driver, you can usually find one at www.driverguide.com. They have an extensive library of drivers. I find it unusual that Realtek didn't have one. Perhaps it was an OEM driver. Oh, you might also check the website of whoever made your machine, e.g. HP, Dell, Gateway, etc. They usually keep drivers on site, even if they're not the most recent. At least you can get the system running again. Good luck!

 

Thanks to your suggestions, my problem is solved! I found the proper driver on Gateway's website, downloaded and installed it, followed Skype's instructions for sound and audio set-up, and it now seems to be working perfectly.

Thanks again!