Software to enhance laptop microphone?

Hi all. I'm using my Acer XPPSP3 laptop to test some applications that require microphone input. But all I'm discovering is that the mic input system on the Acer is almost completely useless. Out of 5 different microphones (2 x freestanding, 3x attached to headphone booms) only one was in any way useful, and that was awful.

My question - is there any specialized software that can enhance a laptop mic port?

I've noticed that a friend's Logitech webcam seems to be reasonably sensitive, but that's on a desktop machine, plus it's USB, of course, which I guess must boost the signal by virtue of the 5 volts that USB devices carry.

My question just relates to the regular (pink) mic input port found on most notebooks,

Thanks

 

Thanks TonyT - yep, did that first thing - no improvement. Sorry, should have noted that in my first post.

 

Looks like there is no such software. But after doing some research it seems that there may be a hardware alternative, a USB 'sound card' which, according to which brand and model (all asian; odd, that) promises everything from 50 channel sound to complimentary snaps of the dark side of the moon.

So, having purchased one of these technological marvels via our local version of EBay (ABay, BBay, CBay etc) for the wallet stretching sum of $4.00, I'm hoping that my laptop's mic system might now be able to 'hear' my breathy inputs.

Sorry, I haven't received the device yet but I'll come back when I've had time to test it.

Thanks to all responders

 

Hi, I have an Acer Travelmate 6952 and the on board mic ( the little hole in the tray) is useless, but I have a Skype earpiece and mike which came with the Skype connection that I bought for $20.00 including Skype phone time and that works brilliant, also I have a Microsoft VX1000 Webcam and that works great as well often up to 30 to 60cm away, friends say they can hear Ok,
You have to set up your sound system to what ever Mike you are using, (webcamera or acc mike).
Cheers Des.

 

Thanks Des. Hopefully the gadget I bought will fix the problem