If your computer has Windows XP on it:
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Try right clicking on the little speaker in the Windows task bar located in the lower right corner of the display. Select the "Adjust Audio Properties" option.
Select the "Audio" tab from the dialog box that opens.
In the "Sound Recording" section (in the middle of the dialog box), make sure the "Sound Recording" device is correct (it should be what the microphone is connected to), then press the "Volume" button.
Make sure "Microphone" is listed as one of the recording devices. If it is not listed, then select "Options" and "Properties" from the drop down list. In this section you will need to put a check mark next to "Microphone". Once you do this, then hit "Okay".
Make sure you have "Microphone" selected as the recording device. (In the Microphone section at the bottom, is a "Select" checkbox. Make sure it is checked).
Now press the "Advanced" button and make sure the +20Db option is checked.
Also make sure the slider for the microphone is near the top for the best recording.
If your computer has Windows 7/Vista on it:
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Try right clicking on the little speaker in the Windows task bar located in the lower right corner of the display. Select the "Sound Recorder" option. If Vista does not detect a microphone, you will get an error stating so. Assuming you did not get an error, proceed.
Select the "Recording" tab from the dialog box that opens.
In the "Recording" section (in the middle of the dialog box), select the "Microphone" and press the "Properties" button.
Under the "General" tab, make sure the microphone device is enabled and it is showing the correct sound card and jack for it.
Under the "Levels" tab, move the "Microphone" slider to the halfway point. This is the gain control for the microphone.
Hit the "OK" button.
Hit the "OK" button, again.
Please note, other options could be available in the above panels. Make sure they look like they are set appropriately.
