Hi alefeb,

The Inspiron™ 7520/15R (SE) is shipped with the Conexant SmartAudio HD controller. You may follow the steps below to update the audio drivers :

• Click on Start -> Control Panel -> Programs and Features -> Uninstall a Program
• Uninstall the audio driver and restart the computer
• Update the audio driver from Here follow the onscreen instructions and restart the computer when prompted.

If the issue persists go to control panel -> Hardware and Sound -> Sound

• Click on 'Recording' tab and select the 'Microphone' and click on 'Properties'
• Click on 'Listen' and make sure Listen to this device is unchecked
• Click on 'Levels' and ensure the microphone volume is at maximum level and microphone boost is minimum.

Hope this helps.

I am having the same issue. Microphone ICON keeps popping up in lower right corner, every minute or less, with volume being set to off.  This is a new issue.

I change the volume level to max in the microphone properties but when the ICON pops up the volume level is re-set to 0 with microphone set to off.

I did all of the above - reloaded the driver (same rev I had) and set all the levels as above BUT ICON keeps popping up in lower right hand comer.

This is a nuisance.

H E L P

The above issue turned out to be a Trojan VBCRYPT virus using multiple hidden SVCHOST background processes. Problem resolved by running malwarebytes anti rootkit

Very helpful, Jerry...VERY helpful.

Thanks