Skype soundcard detection issues

Hi all,
Hope someone out there can help me. I have recently updated to Win 7 and well it's fantastic for me so far but I have a little problem. I live away from home and a regular user of Skype Im having a problem making calls. Everything else on the software is ok, sms works, I dont use a web cam so I dont know if that works. When trying to make a call it connects but the ringing sound comes from the speakers not my usb phone. I have a RED mic icon on status.

As to the other sound on the system its all ok, no problems with music, movies, Games etc

I have checked around a little on some forums on the web but so far I havent found many similar threads to my problem.

thanks

bradreid78, welcome to the forums.

If you haven't yet have a look in the Windows Sound properties and make sure your USB headset is set as the default communication device for both playback and recording.

had the same problem.
go to. tools, options, show advanced options.
move up and down to default tthe correct option.

If you haven't already fixed this problem try the steps below. They might be able to fix your problem!

Skype:
Skype-->Tools -> Options -->Sound Devices-->audio device/USB/etc Audio Device (do NOT use windows default device)
You can also tick the ring pc speaker check box as this is a good backup to alert you even
if the main speakers are off or turned down.

Windows:
Start-->Control panel-->Sound and Audio devices
On the audio tab set the default playback device to your main soundcard(AC97/Audio-chip/add-on-adapter), etc.
Your installed audio device must be present there.
If not, reinstall audio devices.

I hope this helps!
Brett M,
Windows Outreach Team