Click the 'Sounds and Audio Devices' icon.Click the category 'Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices'.Start the Windows Control Panel (Click Start, then Control Panel).If it's not already checked, check the Select box for the microphone channel. Move the volume slider for the microphone to roughly the midway position.If it's not already selected, select Recording (under 'Adjust volume for'), then click the OK button.In the Master Volume (Control) applet, click Options, then Properties.Click Start, then All Programs, Accessories, Entertainment, Volume Control.
If not, then plug an external microphone into the microphone input jack. For Windows XP, follow these steps to test the computer's sound hardware, including microphone and speakers:
