Why does not the microphone work?

Many users are faced with the problem of a non-functioning microphone. Of course, the reason can be in the microphone itself, but it can also hide in the software malfunction.

In this article, we'll look at why the microphone does not work and how to fix this problem.

Causes of malfunction with microphone

By purchasing a new microphone, connecting it to a computer, you may find that it does not work for some reason. Of course, you might think that the microphone is broken.

First, make sure that your microphone is working properly. If you do not know how to do this, we recommend you read the article How to check if the microphone is working.

However, in fact, the reason may not be in the microphone, but in your operating system. Hence the first reason.

The microphone is disabled in the Windows settings

To solve this problem, first see if you connected the microphone correctly.

If you see that the microphone plug is not connectedto the corresponding connector (as a rule, it is pink), then reconnect your microphone. Perhaps your system has several pink connectors. You can try to connect a microphone to each separate connector.

If this did not work, check the device operationthrough sound recording. Type the name of the "Sound Recorder" utility in the search for Windows 8 or find this utility through the Start button in the Standard Programs folder (Entertainment) for Windows 7 and Windows XP.

In the case of Win XP, you need to click in thewindow on the Settings tab and select Recording. In a new window, look at the box where the volume controls are shown. If the microphone is not selected, check the box next to it. Now you can see the settings of your microphone. If necessary, you will need to move the slider up. If you are using newer versions, then you need to open the menu in the taskbar, which has a speaker icon. Click on this icon with the right mouse button and select "Recorder". The system will automatically transfer you to the recorder directory. Among them you can find your microphone. Select it with a double click and click the "Properties" button. In the window that opens, on the General tab, click Use this device.

If you do not have a recording devicemicrophone, then you need to open the driver settings and select the connector for the microphone. To do this, right-click again on the volume icon, open the volume mixer, go to the Levels tab. There you can adjust the sensitivity of your microphone.

If this is not the case, then we recommend that you update the sound drivers.

• Download 14,9Mb (SoundMaker Sound Driver for Windows 7 and 8 for 32 and 64 bit)
• Download 48,7Mb (Realtek Sound Driver for Windows 7 and 8 32bit)
• Download 52,9Mb (Realtek Sound Driver for Windows 7 and 8 64bit)

Please note that speaking of the settingsmicrophone, it is important to consider your sound card. It can be compatible with different drivers, namely Soundmax or Realtek. Therefore, downloading drivers, be sure to make sure that you download them specifically for your sound card. To check which drivers your sound card supports, you can use the taskbar in the volume mixer.

A particular case of this problem may be a failuremicrophone in the Skype program. To fix this problem, you need to go to "Settings", select "Privacy" and the item "Microphone". Next, you will see a list of applications. Among them is your microphone. Check if it is on, if not, move the slider to the Enable position.

Incorrect Bios setting

This is another reason why a microphone might not work.

1. In order to fix the problem, you must first restart the computer and log into the Bios system.
2. Then go to the front panel setup. There you can find two values: hd audio and ac97. Change these values ​​and try restarting your computer to check your microphone again.

If you have any problems with headphones, we recommend you read the article Why headphones do not work.