My microphone isn't working

[zatel]

I switch between my headset and my speakers a lot, and today when I switched back to my headset, my microphone's recording was very quiet. Before today everything worked fine. I thought it was a minor problem so I just unplugged my headset. But after I unplugged it, it still showed up as plugged in playback/recording devices list. I looked in the Realtek Audio Manager and it said it was also still plugged in. I tried un-installing it in the audio manager but it still showed up as plugged in. The only way the mic would work decently is if I turn on microphone boost, but in return the static noise is loud. Please help.

 

[Dom_79]

Sounds like the plug (on your PC) is messed up. Not impossible to fix but also not something for the in-experienced (no offense intended)

 

[zatel]

None taken, I have no experience in fixing the physical computer. How can I get this fixed?

 

[Dom_79]

Are you plugging into the front panel of the PC or the audio jacks on the motherboard I/O (on the rear of the case) ?

 

[zatel]

I plugged it in the front panel.

 

[Dom_79]

Well depending on the case (and the manufacturer) you can get a new front panel (or just the PCB board for it) and install. Easier said than done sometimes depending on what exactly is attached to it and how (like just plugs or solder connections).

If you know what Make and model of case you have you can check with the manufacturer website to find out the specifics of whether you can get just the PCB or a whole new front panel. But... there is no 100% guarantee that it's the plug and not the front panel connection at the motherboard (I'd say it most likely the plug because as you said you switch between your headphones and speakers there often).

 

[zatel]

Ok thanks! I'll see what I can do. In case this isn't a problem with the plugs, are there any other possible problems here I should look at?

 

[Dom_79]

Check your input/recording settings/levels (under your Realtek Audio Manager, in windows settings or in programs that you use that have mic settings).

Outside chance, make sure that the plugs/mic are clean? <- That's really an outside chance but can't hurt to mention 😉

 

[zatel]

Thanks for the tips! I'll get on it as soon as I can.