Help! Microphone not working!

Question

So I turned on my Inspiron E1505 and I find out my Microphone has stopped working. It's a headset mic I bought a while back, nothing special- just plug in and use. I used the microphone yesterday and everything was working fine. Now it's not working. I can hear everything fine, but the Mic does not work. I'm a teamspeak user and it doesn't work. Sound recorder doesn't work. I am running Vista 32 bit. I just got this laptop- I don't understand how it could work one day and not the next. I tried reinstalling drivers from the CD dell provided to no avail. Please help. Thanks, Chris

Jim Coates · Answer

Chris,

Maybe you should try the external mic test in the audio section of Dell Diagnostics. This tests the hardware independently of the drivers and Windows software. In other words, if this test fails then it is a hardware problem, probably in the mic jack or the mic itself.

To run Diagnostics restart the computer, and as soon as it starts to boot up hold down f12. Select 'diagnostic' from the boot menu. It will run some tests for a couple of minutes before the Diagnostic comes up. When it does, select 'custom' then the audio test.

Jim

gloryflower · Answer

Same problem! I have Inspiron 5160 The jack for my external microphone has stopped working. I have checked volume, mute, different microphones and all the tests but nothing works. It was working fine. I first discovered that I had to hold in or move the connection around to hear. I believe the jack is the problem. It is under warrant. I use my computer every day. Is there something I can do without sending it in to be fixed! Thanks for any help gloryflower

Jim Coates · Answer

The only repair is to replace the motherboard. Because of the expense be sure to have it done while still under warranty. Dell might have you perform the Dell Diagnostic mic test as described above.

The workaround solution is to get an external sound card.

Jim

andresamia · Answer

Im just curious how these problems were resolved because I have similar problem.  My microphone wont work.  I did the diagnositcs and everyhitng was ok except the mic which could not detect sound. I already tried different microphones w/out luck.   When the motherboard is replaced how will it affect the system and software and data on my hard disk?

Jim Coates · Answer

Replacing the MB should not affect the hard drive. I'm not sure but I think you are allowed to take out the HD for safekeeping if you send in the computer. Jim

kumarbhim0 · Answer

hi  i have the same problem. I got inspiron 6400. my microphone stopped working. i have done dignostic test for audio and it passed that test. I  am getting problem while chatting on yahoo or google talk; my microphone couldn;t be detected over there. I can manage to do voice recording but on playback i could only get very very low voice. i have checked the microphone level setting it is 100%. i got error 'microphone signal suspiciously low' while  running 'room correction' option in 'enhancement' in 'speaker/headphone properties'. my microphone is working properly on other computers.Please tell about any possible solution.It is quite strange kind of trouble i am getting. i am waiting for your reponse.

andresamia · Answer

I chatted with technical support here at the dell site who told me to reinstall the driver which is available here at the dell website.  Mic works now and everything is back to normal.  Im just glad I didnt have to get a new motherboard...:smileyhappy:   Thanks

gloryflower · Answer

Thanks for the informations. I downloaded an upgrade to sigma tel audio drive (sigmatel stac 9750 Ac97) and it fixed my microphone problem. From Finland

kumarbhim0 · Answer

Thanks !! i uninstalled the driver and installed

[SIGMATEL STAC 92XX C-Major HD Audio], Driver, Windows Vista 32-bit, Windows Vista 64-bit, Multi Language, Multi System, v.6.10.0.5343, A02 for inspiron 6400

it solved my microphone low frequency problem. One can installed the driver and update it later on.On can download the driver fromleft bottom corner here "drivers and download" in "dell support tool" and follow the instructions.

thanks every one !!!

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Help! Microphone not working!

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