I have tried already in windows to get my microphone working. It is in the right slot too. I think it is a hardware problem, the mic works fine on other computers. Everything in plug in inside the computer. I don't know what type of soundcard is is either. I am running windows 98se

Frequently, the microphone is turned off in Windows. Click on the volume control icon in your system tray (hopefully you have one). When it pops up, your microphone control will probably be missing. Click "options", "properties" and check the "microphone" tab and click "OK". Once the microphone control is displayed, see if it is muted and check the volume level for it.

I couldn't get my mike to work either. I bought a cheap soundcard, installed it, and the mike worked again. If you try turning everything on and nothing works, consider buying a cheap sound card and trying it.

Try going to your device manager. Now go to your sound devices. Click it open and click on the main sound card hardware. Now click on the properties. In here there should be a tab at the top that says settings. Click on this. Here at the top of the box should be a place that says: allow full duplex. There should be a box to check. Make sure it is checked. If you do not have this box you need to purchase a full duplex sound card for both to work. I was ready to buy a new sound card when someone on this board gave me these exact same instructions. I hope they help you.