Windows 7: Microphone Problems, Mic Works in windows..nothing else

Hi, i have recently upgraded my laptop which is a hpdv5196ea from Vista 32 bit to Win 7 64 Bit.

I have a strange problem with my microphone, my microphone works perfectly in windows, in the test and over voice on MSN.

But when trying to use the mic over steam, Ventrilo or TS2, it is seriously quiet... so quiet i can barely hear it in the tests, sometimes its even just producing alot of static.

I am using Conexant HD Audio Drivers 3.40.0.50 for Vista 32 Bit which are provided by HP.

In ventrilo i have microphone selected as Input device and have tried boosting the outbound upto 10, but it just sounds distorted and is STILL really quiet it doesnt appear to make any difference to it.