My computer doesn't recognize my microphone

Question

I recently got an SF-930 condenser microphone from a friend and when I plug it in to the microphone/headphone jack, it doesn't recognize it as a microphone. It didn't come with any software to install and I tried trouble shooting and it said nothing was wrong. But the microphone still doesn't work and when I plug it in the only thing that happens is it asks if I plugged in a speaker or headphones.

Answer 1

Hello **** Jess,

Thank you for updating us with the status of the issue. We apologies for the delay in responding.

I suggest you to follow the below methods to see if it helps,

Method 1: Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter.

Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter: - This troubleshooter is an automated Windows 8 inbuilt tool which finds and fixes the common issues with the Hardware and Devices on the computer. Perform the below steps to run this tool and check if that helps. 

1. Press “Windows Logo” + “X” keys together and select Control Panel from the list.
2. Type “Troubleshooting” in the search bar and press “Enter”.
3. In the “Troubleshooting” window, click on “View All” on the left pane.
4. Click on “Hardware and Devices”.
5. Click on “Advanced” and then click on “Run as Administrator”.
6. Click “Next” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

Note: If the issue still persist, proceed with Method 2.

Method 2 : Uninstall and Reinstall the latest sound driver.

Step 1: Uninstall the sound driver.

Please follow the below steps to uninstall the sound card drives from Device Manager and check the issue, 

1. Press Windows logo + R keys together to get the Run option.
2. Type devmgmt.msc.
3. Expand sound, video and game controllers.
4. Right click on the audio driver.
5. Click uninstall Drivers button.
6. Click on OK button.
7. Restart the computer.

Step 2: Reinstall the latest audio driver.

I suggest you to follow the below link and install the latest Audio drivers which are failing under the manufacturer's website and check the issue.

http://www.asus.com/in/Notebooks_Ultrabooks/ASUS_VivoBook_S300CA/HelpDesk_Download/

Additional Information: Connect a microphone, music player, or other audio device to your computer

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/connect-audio-device#1TC=windows-7

Hope the above information was helpful, kindly get back to us if you need any further assistance.

Answer 2

My computer is an ASUS S300c. I tried the recording troubleshooter and there was no problem identified. It doesn't even register as a device in my control panel, connected, disconnected or disabled. And I only have one mic connection that also doubles as the headphone or speaker connection on the side of the computer.

Answer 3

I tried it on my desktop and it worked just fine.

Answer 4

Hello Jess,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community. I appreciate for all the research that you have done.

I can understand the inconvenience caused, be assured that we are here to help you with your concern.

1. What is the Make and Model of the computer?
2. What troubleshooting did you run to fix the issue?
3. Did you check the issue by connecting the Microphone to both rear mic connection and the front connection?

You may be experiencing this issue due to an incorrect audio and recording settings on the computer or perhaps on the Driver software settings.

I suggest you to follow the below methods to see if it helps,

Method 1:

Run the Recording Troubleshooter: - This troubleshooter is an automated Windows 8 inbuilt tool which finds and fixes the common issues with the Recording on the computer. Perform the below steps to run this tool and check if that helps.

1. Press Windows Logo + X keys together and select Control Panel from the list.
2. Type “Troubleshooting” in the search bar and press “Enter”.
3. In the “Troubleshooting” window, click on “View All” on the left pane.
4. Click on “Recording Troubleshooter”.
5. Click on “Advanced” and then click on “Run as Administrator”.
6. Click “Next” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

Note: If the issue still persist, proceed with Method 2.

Method 2:

Check if the Device is enabled in Control Panel, to get Windows 8 to recognize your microphone, follow these steps.

1. Press Windows Logo + X keys together and select Control Panel from the list.
2. Type “Sound” in the search bar and click on Sound.
3. Click on the Recording tab.
4. Right click in the box for Line In or Microphone.
5. Select Show Disabled Devices and Show Disconnected Devices.
6. When it shows up, enable your microphone.
7. Select Properties.
8. Select Levels.
9. Turn up your Microphone Boost to either 100% or + 30dB.
10. Select OK
11. Try talking into the microphone and check if the green bars beside the newly enabled microphone move, indicating success.

Note: If the issue still persist, proceed with Method 3.

Method 3:

Kindly follow the below steps to Change the Default Microphone,

1. Press Windows Logo + X keys together and select Control Panel from the list.
2. Type “Sound” in the search bar and click on Sound.
3. Click on the Recording tab.
4. Right-click on the microphone device you wish to use and select the “Set as Default Device” option.

Hope the above information was helpful, kindly get back to us if you need any further assistance.

Answer 5

Can you try the microphone on another computer and let us know what happens?