Reference number: CH000282

Windows 95/98/ME Microphone troubleshooting.

Issue:

Windows 95/98/ME Microphone troubleshooting.

Cause:

A known working microphone may not work in a computer because of any of the below reasons.

1. Third-party software
2. Incorrect Microphone device setup.
3. Volume for Microphone is muted or not turned up.
4. Sound drivers are corrupt or bad.

Solution:

Before following the below recommendations verify that you have read and completed the general microphone troubleshooting steps found on document CH000281.

Third-party software

Ensure that the microphone is not working in Sound Recorder. If the microphone is working in sound recorder but not in another program, it is likely you are experiencing an issue with that program and not the computer microphone.

Incorrect Microphone device setup

Click Start / Settings / Control Panel / double-click Multimedia / within the Audio tab ensure that your recording device is properly set to the soundcard record device. If you are unable to select from this dropdown box it is recommended you reinstall your sound card from Windows.

Volume for Microphone is muted or not turned up

Verify that the volume for the microphone is not muted and is not turned down. Check this by opening the sound properties by double-clicking the sound icon located on the computer Systray. If you do not see this icon refer to our Sound Card troubleshooting. Within sound properties ensure that the Microphone option is not checked on mute and that the volume is turned up to the highest setting. If you do not see the Microphone option within sound properties click Options / click Properties, within Properties check the Microphone option.

Sound drivers are corrupt or bad

If your microphone continues not to work or you are experiencing other issues such as error messages when attempting to record, we recommend that you reinstall your sound card drivers.