I'm trying to record something on my pc.
I've done this before by just plugging in the mic, opening sound recorder and hitting record.
but for some reason this won't work right now.
I have the mic pluged in to the right place but I'm getting nothing.
It's been months since I've tried this so I can't remember all that I had done in the past to get this to work.
I tried the hardware test in the audio properites but it says that I don't have a mic despite the fact that I do.
3 infact, and I tried them all.

I tried google to find some answers but only found places selling things.

So yall have any ideas as to what might be the problem?

Are you sure it's not muted and that your sound card is functioning correctly? (check device manager)

Looking in the device manager, I can't see anything regarding a mic.
As for being muted, apparently I don't even have the option to mute it.
By all appearances I have no support for a mic at all. which is what is so confusing about this.

Open Volume Control from the system tray.  Go to Options > Properties
Make sure you have the right sound card selected under "Mixer Device."  Then make sure 'Mic' is checked under 'Show the following volume controls.'

yeah, that's the problem, there is no mic checkbox.

I think I know what the problem is...I illustrated how to fix it.
Open Volume Control


File>Properties


Scroll down to see if Microphone is checked, if not, check it.


Make sure it's not muted.

That's exactly what I just said, Greggo.

Ssh...my brain's slow today...it'll catch up eventually...

I know this topic is a few days old, but I thought I'd chime in.  And since MMFS hasn't indicated if he got to record, I'll just add one step.

Mr. Greg's  graphics have it right, mostly.  That will get you to hear what's coming through your mic.  If you check on his Properties box, you'll notice that the "Playback" radio button is checked.  Adjusting the Playback volumes will allow you to hear through your speakers, but it won't so squat for recording.

- Check "Recording"  That will change the options in the "Show the following volume controls" box.

- Scoll down to make sure Microphone is checked (just like in Playback)

- Click "OK"

This will take you to the Recording Volume mixer.  The options will differ depending on your card, but if the you need the Microphone to be selected as your audio source.  (I suppose some cards can have more than one audio source, but some card's can't.)  The select box is in the same spot as the Mute box is in the volume control.

If your Microphone isn't selected, even though you may hear it, it won't record.