I have Windows 7 Home Premium. I wish to install and use SKYPE. I have a USB port on the front of my CPU tower which recognises the camera. Next to this is a plug-in port (pink). The microphone attached to the camera is not recognised nor is a free standing mike. The report is just 'device is not plugged in'. My PC has ports for 2 mikes - one on the front panel and one the back. Neither works. Any ideas please?
Depending on what camera you have, but most have built in microphones. As you are connecting USB, both video and sound are on the USB signal (in most cases).
Is the cam working OK?
Two areas to check, (1) the Device Manager, Sounds section to see if the USB cam's mic is recognized and either working or showing an error code. (2) check the Control Panel/Hardware and Sound and finally "Manage Audio Devices" This will take you to the Sound Panel recording section. You should show the USB mic and the "Stereo Mix" (May be called System MIxer). The Stereo Mix should be enabled and set as default recording device, then whatever is plugged in should work.
However, if its not shown at all or shown with an error code in the Device Manager, please report back with the error code.
The Device Manager can be accessed from Start, RIGHT click on Computer and then LEFT click Properties. Device Manager can be accessed from the list in the upper left of the panel.
One more suggestion:
Make sure you have the hardware specific audio driver for your computer installed. Windows 7 comes with some generic drivers.
Look in Device Manager under Audio devices. If you have High Def sound, is there a generic name (like HD Audio Device) vs. hardware specific (like Soundmax HD Audio)
The generic driver might only support audio out but not mic in.
Thank you ComputerGeek, I will check that.
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